Today in History graphic for June 6 featuring D-Day, the first drive-in theater, Chrysler Corporation, Meijer Thrifty Acres, and the release of Tetris.

June 6 in History: D-Day, the First Drive-In Theater, and the Opening of Meijer Thrifty Acres

Scott Winters June 6, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on June 6 in history, along with notable events that shaped transportation, business, entertainment, military history, and life in Michigan.

What Happened on June 6 in History?

Important events on this day include the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II, the opening of the first drive-in movie theater, the founding of Chrysler Corporation, the debut of Meijer’s first Thrifty Acres store in Grand Rapids, and the release of the classic video game Tetris.

JUNE 6 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1833 – Andrew Jackson became the first President to ride in a train. It was a B&O passenger train.

1844 – The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in London.

1882 – The first electric iron was patented by H.W. Seely.

1890 – The United States Polo Association was formed in New York City, NY.

1892 – The “L” commuter rail system in Chicago, IL began operation.

1904 – The National Tuberculosis Association was formed in Atlantic City, NJ.

1921 – The Detroit Stars’ Bill Greenwood pitched the first no-hitter in Negro Baseball League history, topping the Cuban Stars,4-0.

1925 – Chrysler Corporation was founded by Walter Percy Chrysler.

1932 – The first federal tax on gasoline in the U.S. went into effect. It was a penny per gallon.

1933 – In Camden, NJ, the first drive-in movie theater opened. They were originally referred to as “park-in theaters”. Here is a blog about Drive-ins in the Grand Rapids, MI area.

1934 – President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Securities Exchange Act, which established the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

1942 – The first nylon parachute jump was made by Adeline Gray in Hartford, CT.

1944 – The D-Day invasion of Europe took place on the beaches of Normandy, France. 400,000 Allied American, British and Canadian troops were involved.

1944 – The first glider to land airborne troops in the Normandy invasion landed. It was made by Gibson Refrigerator Co. of Greenville, MI and paid for by the war bond sales of Greenville school children.

1946 – The Basketball Association of America was formed in New York City, NY, with eleven teams.

1962 – The first Meijer “Thrifty Acres” opened in Grand Rapids, MI at the corner of 28th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue.

1968 – Senator Robert F. Kennedy died at 1:44 am in Los Angeles after being shot by Sirhan Sirhan. Kennedy was was shot the evening before while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination.

1971 – “The Ed Sullivan Show” aired for the last time. It was canceled after 23 years on the air. Gladys Knight and the Pips were the musical guests on show.

1978 – The television news program “20/20” debuted on ABC.

1983 – The PBS TV show “Reading Rainbow”, hosted by LeVar Burton, debuted. The show, that encouraged children to read, ran until November 2006.

1984 – Tetris, one of the best selling video games of all time, was released.

1985 – The Senate authorized non-military aid to the Contras. The vote authorized $38 million over two years.

1991 – Actress Dana Plato (from TV’s “Different Strokes”) was given a six year suspended sentence for robbing a Las Vegas, NV video store.

2001 – A Los Angeles, CA jury awarded more than $3 billion in damages from the Philip Morris tobacco company to a man who claimed he had smoked Marlboros for 40 years.

2001 – Timothy J. McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, was executed by lethal injection in an Indiana federal prison for the deaths of 168 people on April 19th, 1995.

2005 – The United States Supreme Court ruled that federal authorities could prosecute sick people who smoke marijuana on doctor’s orders in the case of Gonzales v. Raich. The ruling concluded that state medical marijuana laws did not protect uses from the federal ban on the drug.

2008 – The Dreamworks animated movie “Kung Fu Panda” opened in theaters.

2012 – A solar airplane, called “The Solar Impulse”, landed in Morocco after completing the world’s first intercontinental flight powered by the sun.

2024 – The launch of SpaceX Starship integrated flight test 4 (IFT-4).

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JUNE 6:

David Scott – 94 years old (1932) – Colonel, engineer, and astronaut who was the commander of Apollo 15

Gary U.S. Bonds – 87 years old (1939) – Singer-songwriter

Marian Wright Edelman – 87 years old (1939) – Child rights activist

Phillip Allen Sharp – 82 years old (1944) – Molecular biologist; 1993 Nobel Prize laureate (Physiology or Medicine)

Tommie Smith – 82 years old (1944) – Sprinter and football player; winner of 1968 Olympic 200m gold medal in a world record time

Tony Levin – 80 years old (1946) – Bass player and songwriter

Robert Englund – 79 years old (1947) – Actor; best known for Nightmare on Elm Street

Arlene Harris – 78 years old (1948) – Entrepreneur, inventor, investor and policy advocate

Holly Near – 77 years old (1949) – Folk singer and songwriter

Harvey Fierstein – 74 years old (1952) – Actor and playwright; winner of four Tony Awards

Sandra Bernhard – 71 years old (1955) – Stand-up comic and actress

Colin Quinn – 67 years old (1959) – Comedian and actor

Steve Vai – 66 years old (1960) – Musician

Paul Giamatti – 59 years old (1967) – Actor and producer

Natalie Morales – 54 years old (1972) – Television journalist and NBC News anchor

Uncle Kracker – 52 years old (1974) – Musician

Sonya Walger – 52 years old (1974) – British-American actress

Pete Hegseth – 46 years old (1980) – Author, political commentator and 29th United States Secretary of Defense

Becky Sauerbrunn – 41 years old (1985) – Footballer; twice a winner of the FIFA Women's World Cup , also an Olympic gold medallist

Anthony Rendon – 36 years old (1990) – Baseball player

DeAndre Hopkins – 34 years old (1992) – Football player

Vic Mensa – 33 years old (1993) – Rapper and singer

Julian Green – 31 years old (1995) – Soccer player

Kenny Pickett – 28 years old (1998) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JUNE 6:

National Drive-In Movie Day: Bring snacks and drinks, comfy blankets, and of course your car and go see a new or old favorite movie at your local drive-in, from the comfort of your car.
National Yo-Yo Day: Reconnect with your inner child or have fun with your own kids by playing around with different yo-yos. Host a yo-yo party or the Yo-Yo Olympics for extra fun.
Infant Feeding Day: Nurturing tiny appetites, providing essential nourishment with care, fostering healthy beginnings for precious lives to flourish.
National Eyewear Day: Seeing the world is something many people take for granted until road signs turn to smudges, menus become a guessing game, or the day ends with tired, aching eyes. National Eyewear Day spotlights just how much glasses, contacts, and protective lenses do for millions of people who rely on them...
National Gardening Exercise Day: You might not think of gardening as an alternative to the gym, but it can be a great physical exercise. Get outside, get your blood flowing, and improve your fitness.
National Bubbly Day: With its effervescence and delicate bubbles, this celebratory drink is perfect for toasting to life's big moments.
World Green Roof Day: See if you can create an environmentally-friendly, plant-filled space on your roof for Green Roof Day. Snap some pictures and spread the word about its benefits.
National Applesauce Cake Day: Baking an applesauce cake is simple: all you need is flour, butter, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and of course applesauce to make this moist treat.
Russian Language Day: Sign up for a class or download Duolingo and start learning Russian. It opens up job opportunities, expands your pool of people to talk to, and helps the brain.
National Higher Education Day: Empowering students to reach their academic aspirations and striving for equitable access to higher education opportunities benefits society.
National Trails Day: Hit the trails to connect with nature, get some fresh air and exercise. Bring friends, your dog, or take a solo mission, and follow the paths or blaze your own.
National Caves and Karst Day: Explore a local cave or karst and enjoy the sometimes alien beauty and wildlife that lurks in these stunning and underappreciated features of nature.
Wine Days Festival in Armenia: The Wine Days Festival in Armenia is a lively celebration of the country's rich wine culture centered in the heart of Yerevan. For a few days, the city's streets buzz with excitement as local and international visitors gather to enjoy over 500 varieties of wine from Armenia's top producers. How to...
National Prairie Day: National Prairie Day is a special event that celebrates the beauty and importance of prairies in the United States. Held in the early days of summer, this event aims to raise awareness about these grasslands and their vital role in our ecosystem. The day also encourages people to explore and...
D-Day: On this day, Allied forces launched a massive invasion of Normandy, France during World War II, resulting in a pivotal victory that helped turn the tide of the war.
Queensland Day: Queensland Day is a lively celebration that brings together people from all over the state. It highlights Queensland's unique culture, heritage, and achievements. Residents take pride in their beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich history. The day is an opportunity to reflect on what makes Queensland a special place to...
International Tabletop Games Day: Join a tabletop gaming event at a local gaming shop or café to meet other fans, or gather your friends around to make an exciting adventure of your own.
National Fishing and Boating Week: National Fishing and Boating Week is a special time each year that encourages everyone to explore the joys of fishing and boating. Celebrated annually, it's a perfect moment to get outdoors, enjoy the water, and perhaps catch some fish. It's a period packed with fun, relaxation, and learning for people...
America The Beautiful Week: America The Beautiful Week lights up the first week of June. It's a special time to appreciate the song "America the Beautiful" and to honor the love for the country. This week encourages us to reflect on the natural beauty and patriotic spirit that defines America! How to Celebrate America...
Butterfly Education and Awareness Day: Understanding the life cycles and habitats of these pollinators fosters conservation efforts and biodiversity appreciation.
National Black Bear Day: Let's bear witness to the black bear's wild and wonderful ways! These furry forest friends love to climb trees, eat berries, and give bear hugs. So come join the bear-y good fun!
National CPR and AED Awareness Week: Have you ever needed to use CPR or an AED in an emergency? National CPR and AED Awareness Week, celebrated during this time in early June, shines a spotlight on the importance of these life-saving skills. This special week is all about educating people on how to respond to a cardiac...
International Clothesline Week: International Clothesline Week, celebrated annually, spotlights the old yet highly beneficial practice of drying clothes. It's a week dedicated to embracing the simple joy and advantages of hanging laundry outdoors. The fresh air and sunshine make clothes smell great and bring a bit of exercise and relaxation into our daily routines. How...
Statehood Day in Sweden: Statehood Day in Sweden is a significant occasion that brings the nation together. It's a day full of pride and unity, where Swedes reflect on their shared identity. Celebrations across the country highlight the unique spirit that defines Sweden. Whether in cities or villages, people come together to celebrate what...
Canadian Environment Week: Canadian Environment Week is a lively celebration highlighting Canada's commitment to the environment. This special event invites everyone to appreciate nature, raise awareness, and take action to protect the planet. This week coincides with global events like World Environment Day and Clean Air Day, making it a perfect time for...
World Pest Day: Picture a warm summer night. You’re relaxing outside when suddenly, a mosquito buzzes in your ear. Annoying, right? But pests like these do more than ruin a good evening—they spread disease, damage homes, and destroy crops. World Pest Day recognizes the experts working behind the scenes to keep these threats...
British Tomato Fortnight: British Tomato Fortnight is an exciting time that celebrates the peak season for homegrown tomatoes in the UK. This event highlights the wonderful flavors and health benefits of British tomatoes, encouraging everyone to enjoy this versatile fruit in various dishes! How to Celebrate British Tomato Fortnight Host a Tomato Tasting...
Stepparents Week: Stepparents Week is a special time to honor those who step into the role of parenthood with open hearts. Celebrated anually, this event recognizes the vital contributions of stepmoms and stepdads. It's all about the love, guidance, and care they provide to children, who are not their own by birth...