June 6: D-Day, Volcanoes, and a Stomach That Changed Science

June 6 is one of those dates that packs more historical punch than your high school teacher's pop quizzes. From world-changing military operations to accidental scientific breakthroughs and a volcano that really made an entrance, today's anniversary roster is absolutely stacked.

D-Day Made History's Biggest Splash

In 1944, Operation Overlord kicked off with Allied troops storming the beaches of Normandy in what remains the largest amphibious military operation ever attempted. It's the kind of coordinated effort that makes modern group projects look absolutely pitiful by comparison. This watershed moment changed the course of World War II and gave us decades of historical documentaries that your dad definitely watches on cable.

When Your Stomach Becomes Science's Most Famous Research Lab

Here's a wild one from 1822: Canadian voyageur Alexis St. Martin got accidentally shot in the stomach, and instead of this being just a terrible day, it became a medical goldmine. The injury never fully healed, essentially leaving him with a window into his own digestive system. Doctors studied his stomach for years, leading to breakthrough understanding of how digestion actually works. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons—or in this case, making gastroenterology out of a gunshot wound. St. Martin lived into his 70s, by the way, proving he was tougher than basically everyone.

A Volcano Announces Itself With Maximum Drama

In 1912, the largest volcanic eruption of the entire 20th century began in Alaska, literally creating a new volcano called Novarupta. Imagine being so extra that you don't just erupt—you form an entirely new mountain in the process. The Alaska Peninsula got a dramatic geological makeover that took several days to complete, and Novarupta earned its place in the record books with style.

Meanwhile, in Sweden...

Today is also National Day of Sweden, commemorating the end of the Kalmar Union and King Gustav Vasa's coronation. Swedes celebrate their independence with considerably more meatballs and considerably less gunpowder than certain other national holidays we could mention.