Today in HistoryToday is Saturday, June 24, the 175th day of 2006. There are 190 days left in the year.

ON THIS DATE<$>

In 1314, the forces of Scotland’s King Robert I defeated the English in the Battle of Bannockburn.

In 1509, Henry VIII was crowned king of England.

In 1647, Margaret Brent, a niece of Lord Baltimore, was ejected from the Maryland Assembly after demanding a place and vote in that governing body.

In 1793, the first republican constitution in France was adopted.

In 1948, Communist forces cut off all land and water routes between West Germany and West Berlin, prompting the western allies to organise the massive Berlin Airlift.

Thought for Today<$>

“Man stands in his own shadow and wonders why it is dark.” — Ancient Zen saying.