On This Day in History

Tarvinonline brings you news from the past with our regular "On This Day" feature

On This Day in 1961: Russian dancer in freedom dash

Principal dancer of the Kirov Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev, broke free from Russian embassy guards at a Paris airport and requested asylum in France.
The 23-year-old Russian dancer dashed through a security barrier at Le Bourget airport shouting in English: "I want to be free."
It was understood that Nureyev was approached by two Russian guards as he was waiting, with the rest of his troupe, to board a BEA Vanguard plane to London. The guards informed him that he was required to return to Moscow instead of going to London, but, as he was being escorted to a waiting Russian aircraft, he made his dash for freedom.
Within a week of his defection, Rudolf Nureyev was signed up by the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas in Paris. He never returned to Russia, settled in the West and soon became an international star.

On This Day in 1885: Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor

In 1885, the dismantled State of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of America, arrived in New York Harbor after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases. The copper and iron statue, which was reassembled and dedicated the following year in a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, became known around the world as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy.

On This Day in 1972: Don Mclean's First No 1

Don McLean had his first UK No.1 single with 'Vincent.' The song was written about the 19th century artist Vincent Van Gogh and the song is played daily at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

On This Day in 1885: Cricketer Brian Statham CBE,born

Cricketer Brian Statham was one of the best of all English fast bowlers, and beyond question the best-liked. He died died from leukaemia on June 10, 2000, aged 69.