What Happened on June 24?

June 24 is International Fairy Day — a celebration of folklore and imagination — on the same date the Berlin Airlift began in 1948, Henry VIII was crowned in 1509, pilot Kenneth Arnold reported 'flying saucers' in 1947, and Julia Gillard became Australia's first woman prime minister in 2010.

• 1314 — Scots under Robert the Bruce defeat England at Bannockburn

  On June 24, 1314, Scottish forces led by Robert the Bruce routed King Edward II's army at Bannockburn — a landmark victory in the fight for Scottish independence. Read the full story →

• 1509 — Henry VIII is crowned King of England

  On June 24, 1509, eighteen-year-old Henry VIII was crowned at Westminster Abbey alongside Catherine of Aragon — beginning a reign that would reshape England's church and politics. Read the full story →

• 1812 — Napoleon Bonaparte invades Russia with the Grande Armée

  On June 24, 1812, Napoleon crossed the Niemen River into Russia with roughly 600,000 troops — a campaign that ended in catastrophic retreat and weakened his empire. Read the full story →

• 1947 — Kenneth Arnold reports 'flying saucers' near Mount Rainier

  On June 24, 1947, private pilot Kenneth Arnold saw nine crescent-shaped objects skipping near Mount Rainier, Washington — coining the term 'flying saucer' and launching modern UFO lore. Read the full story →

• 1948 — The Berlin Airlift begins after Soviet blockade

  On June 24, 1948, the Soviet Union blocked road and rail access to West Berlin — the United States and Britain responded by flying in food and fuel in history's largest air supply mission. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Lionel Messi (1987) · Mindy Kaling (1979) · Mick Fleetwood (1947) · Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)

Days & observances

International Fairy Day · St. John the Baptist Day / Midsummer · National Pralines Day · Swim a Lap Day