Taking the oath
25 years ago — 1993
Some of those who returned from war in the Memphis Belle 50 years ago honored Sunday the less fortunate crewmen of the thousands of airplanes shot down over Europe and the Pacific. The Memphis Belle Memorial Association Inc. celebrated in the sunshine of Mud Island Park the 50th anniversary of the Memphis Belle’s 25th and final successful mission. “It’s just wonderful; it brings back lots of memories,” said Eugene Adkins, 73, of Johnson City, Tenn., a turret gunner and engineer on all 25 missions of the Belle. The Belle’s crew is believed to have been the first of Americans to complete 25 bombing missions over Nazi territory.
50 years ago — 1968
Fire and Police Director Frank C. Holloman yesterday reportedly told a closed hearing on police brutality that he had taken disciplinary measures against police officers for acts during the recent civil disorders. Mr. Holloman was the first law enforcement officer to testify at hearings being conducted by the Tennessee Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. A committee member said Mr. Holloman testified that some disciplinary measures have been taken on complaints and other cases are under investigation.
75 years ago — 1943
Matthew Thornton, “mayor of Beale Street,” who will be 70 years old tomorrow, was honored with a special program at Booker T. Washington High School yesterday in recognition of his 50 years of service to the community. Principal speaker was the Rev. Marshall Wingfield who serves with Thornton on the Memphis Commission of Interracial Relations.
100 years ago — 1918
Lt. Edward Rickenbacker, formerly an automobile racer, now an Army pilot, brought down three German planes over enemy lines in France this week. He has received the French war cross.
125 years ago — 1893
WASHINGTON — President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland have retired to their country home for the summer. It is now official — in July the presidential family will be increased and Baby Ruth will have a rival for her parents’ affection.