JUNE 7TH: THIS DAY IN HISTORY

History, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness.’ — James Fenimore Cooper

1. Vatican City became an independent state

On this day in history in 1929 Vatican City became an independent state. The Lateran Treaty, which was signed on February 11 of the same year, was ratified by Italy’s fascist government on this day. It guarantees the political and territorial sovereignty of Vatican City.

2. The world’s first Legoland resort opened

On this day in history in 1968 The world’s first Legoland resort opened. The Legoland in Billund, Denmark was the first of six theme parks based around the Lego interlocking plastic bricks. Billund is the home of The Lego Group.

3. The first Cricket World Cup began

On this day in history in 1975 The first Cricket World Cup began. England hosted the first edition of the event, which today has become one of the world’s most important sporting events. The West Indies entered the history books as the first Cricket World Champions.

4. Israel destroyed Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactors

On this day in history in 1981 Israel destroyed Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactors. The attack, triggered by fears of a potential Iraqi atom bomb, prompted international criticism and is considered a political disaster as it caused the quarreling Arab states to unite against their common enemy, Israel.

5. A Surinam Airways jet crashed on landing in Paramaribo

On this day in history in 1989 A Surinam Airways jet crashes on landing in Paramaribo. The pilots were blamed for the disaster. They had attempted to land using the wrong navigation signal. Of the 187 people on board, 11 survived.