JUNE 12, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Douglas Arant's Refugee Aid Initiative. Impact: This plea for young refugees inadvertently led to the creation of a secret society of kids who became master negotiators in international diplomacy. They’re now running a global lemonade stand with better trade deals than most countries.. Fact: The Red Cross was initially founded to help soldiers, but somehow ended up taking on world crises while also trying to figure out who can sell the best cookies..
• Headline: Commemorating Flag Day 1940. Impact: The annual Flag Day exercises sparked a centuries-long debate over the correct way to fold a flag, leading to the rise of a clandestine society of flag-folding enthusiasts that still meets in basements.. Fact: Flag Day: the one day a year when everyone pretends they know the Pledge of Allegiance by heart..
• Headline: Italian Workers Support America Against Fascism. Impact: This endorsement created a ripple effect that led to the first-ever Italian-American pizza party, which unfortunately devolved into a fierce debate over the best toppings.. Fact: The ‘no blind prejudice’ request is ironic, given that the only thing more prejudiced than a pizza topping debate is a political discussion in an election year..
• Headline: JIBUTI DRIVE OPENS; Fascisti and Colonials Cross Borders Into French Somaliland PLANES ATTACK ADEN No Military Damage Is Done at Malta Base-- Rome Has Alarm. Impact: The Jibuti Drive inadvertently prompted a new trend in cross-border sports, inspiring a series of international obstacle courses that included dodging planes and navigating colonial paperwork.. Fact: This was the only time in history that crossing borders was considered a sport—thankfully, most of those competitors have since retired..
• Headline: MORE FUNDS RAISED FOR WAR SUFFERERS; Benefits and Other Activities Help Increase Gifts. Impact: The influx of funds not only provided immediate relief but also led to the establishment of an annual bake sale that raised more money than some national budgets, all thanks to Grandma's secret recipe.. Fact: War fundraisers: where the snacks are always better than the news, and nobody actually talks about the war..
• Headline: HONORS PAID TO ROGERS; House Members Offer Tribute to Canadian Defense Minister. Impact: This tribute inadvertently led to the creation of an annual 'Canadian Appreciation Day,' where everyone pretends to love maple syrup and hockey just to avoid awkward small talk.. Fact: Canadian defense ministers have an uncanny ability to diffuse tense situations with just a polite nod and a plate of poutine..
• Headline: BRITISH ARE HOPING FOR NEW 'MIRACLE'; Fear for Fate of Paris, but Hold Losses Must Slow Up Nazis --No Word From B.E.F.. Impact: The hope for a miracle sparked a wave of optimism that led to the invention of the 'British Tea Time' as a coping mechanism, which is still celebrated today.. Fact: The British have been hoping for miracles since the dawn of time; their most recent one was finding a parking spot during rush hour..
• Headline: Bars Slogan 'Yanks Not Coming'. Impact: Banning the slogan led to the creation of new slogans that were even more ridiculous. The most popular? 'Yanks Are Coming, But Only If There’s Pizza.'. Fact: Banning slogans: the government’s way of trying to control free speech while simultaneously creating a new line of merchandise..
• Headline: U.S. STEEL SENDS SURPLUS TO ALLIES; Buys War Department Equipment Worth $37,600,000in 'Short of War' AidTO REPAY IN NEW SUPPLIES5,000 French 75's of 1918 AreThought to Be Included inSubsidiary's Shipment. Impact: The surplus steel and war equipment ended up being used to build a series of monuments that no one wanted, but now tourists can marvel at the irony of recycled war machinery.. Fact: U.S. Steel: because nothing says 'we care' like sending a surplus of weapons and hoping for a thank-you note in return..