Day Tripping: April 29

Evacuations, Infiltrations, and Celebrations

Narrow Escape

As the Viet Cong and the People’s Army of Vietnam surround and capture the city of Saigon, the United States begins to evacuate their citizens in Operation Frequent Wind, as ordered by President Gerald Ford in 1975. American involvement in the war between Communist North Vietnam and the South Vietnamese Republic ends with an airlift using military helicopters.

The clandestine signal for beginning the evacuation came by way of the American Radio Service playing Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, which in April was a clear message to all personnel. The broadcast at around 11 a.m. began with a weather forecast stating “105 degrees and rising”, followed by the winter song.

The last evacuees are flown to the aircraft carrier USS Okinawa the following day. In the chaos of the mission, one unused Chinook helicopter is pushed overboard to make room for the guests to land.

Starstruck Break-In

After completing his show in Memphis on the Born To Run tour in 1976, Bruce Springsteen decided to look in on Elvis Presley for an impromptu visit. Seeing a light on in one of the windows, the Boss climbs a fence to get on the grounds at Graceland, but he’s met outside by security guards.

Buoyed by his newfound fame, Bruce asks if the King is home, noting he is also a famous singer. The guards aren’t buying it and escort Springsteen off the property, claiming Presley isn’t home.

Grand Ceremony

Second in line to the British throne Prince William marries Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011. The couple had been dating for eight years and were named the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after their marriage.

Middleton’s sister Pippa was her maid of honour, and the now estranged brother of the Duke, Harry performed best man duties. The saga continues.

Musical Milestones

This was the day Aretha Franklin became the Queen of Soul with the release of Respect in 1967. She reigns forever.

Narratives

In 1968, one of the most controversial musicals of its time opened at the Biltmore Theater on Broadway. Hair went on undressing for 1,750 performances there.

Remembrance

One of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers of the 20th century, Alfred Hitchcock died in 1980. Strangely, his only Oscar came with a lifetime achievement award. Love him or not, his undeniable talents deserved much better.

Notable Births

A very entertaining lineup:

Musicians:

1899 — Duke Ellington, the man of Swing 1933 — Willie Nelson, on the road still 1935 — Otis Rush, bluesman extradordinaire 1947 — Tommy James, of Shandells fame

TV and Movies:

1954 — Jerry Seinfeld, what’s the deal? 1955 — Kate Mulgrew, Voyager’s Captain Janway 1957 — Daniel Day-Lewis, multi-Oscar winner 1958 — Michelle Pfeiffer, of The Fabulous Baker Boys and more 1970 — Uma Thurman, killed Bill and everyone else

K. Barrett Katie Wallace Maria Rattray Maryam Merchant Dr Mehmet Yildiz Tree Langdon Myriam Ben Salem Phil Truman Chelsea Mandler MAT Terry Mansfield Hollie Petit, PhD. Terry Trueman Dr Preeti Singh John Gruber Bill Abbate James G Brennan ScienceDuuude Marcus Liam Ireland Claire Kelly Noorain Hassan, BMS Amy Pierovich David Acaster Nora

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