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What happened on December 20th?
The first new US military branch in 70 years was established
Matthew Jones
December 20, 2024
2019 Donald Trump Establishes the Space Force
On December 20th, 2019, US President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, officially creating the Space Force as the sixth branch of the US Armed Forces. This marked the first new military branch in over 70 years, reflecting growing concerns about national security in outer space. The Space Force was tasked with protecting American interests beyond Earth's atmosphere, including satellite defense and space-based operations.
The photo shows President Donald J. Trump at Joint Base Andrews on Friday, December 20, 2019, after signing the National Defense Authorization Act. He is seen greeting Gen. Jay Raymond, who had just been named the first Chief of Space Operations and the first member of the newly established United States Space Force.
🗞️Today’s Headlines
Everything important that’s ever happened on December 20:
1996 ─ The horror classic Scream premiered in American theaters, redefining the slasher genre.
1989 ─ The United States launched Operation Just Cause to depose Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega.
1974 ─ Ethiopia declared itself a socialist state under the leadership of Mengistu Haile Mariam.
1960 ─ The Vietnamese National Liberation Front formed to oppose US-backed South Vietnam.
1946 ─ Frank Capra’s It's a Wonderful Life premiered and became a beloved holiday classic.
1860 ─ South Carolina became the first US state to secede from the Union after Abraham Lincoln’s election.
🎂 Today’s Birthdays
On December 20, we’re singing to:
Thomas Graham (1805) ─ Scottish chemist known as the “father of colloid chemistry.”
Irene Dunne (1898) ─ Acclaimed actress celebrated for her roles in The Awful Truth and Love Affair.
🪦Who Died Today?
On December 20, we’re saying goodbye to:
Aulus Vitellius (69) ─ Aulus Vitellius, a Roman emperor remembered for his brief and turbulent reign.
Sacagawea (1812) ─ Native American explorer famed for her role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
John Steinbeck (1902) ─ American novelist best known for The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men.
Carl Sagan (1996) ─ US astronomer and science communicator, remembered for Cosmos and his efforts to popularize science.
How Am I Doing?
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