This Day in History: June 26

363: Roman Emperor Julian is killed during retreat from the Sassanid Empire.

Julian, also known as Julian the Apostate, was the last pagan Emperor of Rome. He was killed during a battle with the Sassanid Empire and was succeeded by General Jovian who was proclaimed Emperor by the troops on the battlefield.

1857: The first 62 recipients are awarded the Victoria Cross for valour in the Crimean war by Queen Victoria.

The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries. The award was instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria and the first 62 recipients were recognized for their bravery during the Crimean War.

1906: The first Grand Prix car race is held.

The first Grand Prix car race was organized by the Automobile Club de France (ACF) and held on a circuit around Le Mans, France. The winner of the competition was Ferenc Szisz driving for Renault.

1925: Charlie Chaplin's film “The Gold Rush” receives its premiere.

“The Gold Rush” is a classic of the silent film genre and features Charlie Chaplin in his famous Little Tramp role. Chaplin stated repeatedly that this was the film he wanted to be remembered for.

1936: The world's first practical helicopter lifts off.

The Focke-Wulf Fw 61 was the first practical helicopter and was first tested in Bremen, Germany. Although none of the original prototypes survived World War II, a replica can be seen at the Hubschraubermuseum in Bückeburg, Germany.

1945: The United Nations Charter is signed.

The United Nations is the world's most important international organization and was established after World War II to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. The signing of the UN Charter was a significant step towards achieving these goals.

1945: 1st US troops arrive in France during World War II.

The arrival of US troops in France was a crucial moment in the Allies' efforts to defeat Nazi Germany during World War II. The troops landed in Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion and played a vital role in the eventual Allied victory.

1794: Battle of Fleurus: major victory by forces of the First French Republic under General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan over the Coalition Army.

The Battle of Fleurus was a significant victory for the French during the French Revolutionary Wars. The French forces, led by General Jourdan, defeated a coalition army consisting of British, Hanoverian, Dutch, and Habsburg forces. The battle is notable for being the first to use reconnaissance balloons.

2016: Panama Canal's third set of locks opens for commercial traffic, doubling the Canal’s capacity at an estimated cost of $5.25 billion.

The opening of the third set of locks at the Panama Canal was a significant engineering achievement that doubled the canal's capacity and allowed larger ships to pass through. The project took almost a decade to complete and cost an estimated $5.25 billion.