1. The first case of the 1918 influenza epidemic was reported in Illinois on June 6, 1918. This pandemic would go on to kill millions worldwide, including thousands in Illinois.

2. On June 6, 1861, Illinois became the first state to call for volunteers to fight in the Civil War. Over 250,000 Illinois soldiers would go on to serve in the war.

3. The first Greyhound bus route began operation in Illinois on June 6, 1914. The route ran between Chicago and Hibbing, Minnesota.

4. On June 6, 1944, thousands of Illinois soldiers were among the Allied forces who landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, in the D-Day invasion of World War II.

5. Illinois native Ronald Reagan was born on June 6, 1911. Reagan went on to become a Hollywood actor and the 40th President of the United States.