(Fox News) – A rare document signed by the president of the United States recognizing the Jewish State of Israel is up for sale, days ahead of Israeli Independence Day.

Before any other nation, President Harry S. Truman issued the historic 
statement recognizing "the new State of Israel" dated May 14, 1948. But
he didn’t sign the official document until many years later.

President Harry S. Truman is shown in the Oval Office on
July 9, 1948.

SANDY KOZEL

The amended Declaration of Independence, prepared by Thomas Jefferson, was approved and signed by John Hancock, the
President of the Continental Congress in America on this day
in 1776.

The U.S. Military Academy officially opened at West Point, NY. on
this day in 1802.

Lou Gehrig retired from major league baseball on this day in 1939.

Lou Gehrig’s gives his infamous retirement speech for the New York Yankees. It was one of the most memorable sports speeches of all
time.

CAMILLE BOHANNON

The Battle of Antietam took place during the American Civil War on this day in
1862. More than 23,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing. The Rebel
advance was ended with heavy losses to both armies.

The Constitution of the United States of America was signed by delegates at
the Constitutional Convention on this day in 1787.

Hiram King "Hank" Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953)

Regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers
and songwriters of the 20th century. Williams recorded 35 singles, five
released posthumously, that reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country
& Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked number one, three posthumously.

Hank Williams on the fiddle with Big Bill Lister on guitar

"M*A*S*H" premiered on CBS-TV on this day in 1972.

The series ended on February 28, 1983, with the finale,
showcased  as a television film, titled "Goodbye, Farewell
and Amen",  becoming the most-watched and highest-rated
single television episode in U.S. television history at the time.  

SANDY KOZEL

            http://www.turningpointparade.com/declaration-of-independence

Founded on this day in 1802.

On July 4, 1939, Yankees fans were given their chance to say
farewell to Lou Gehrig.

John Calvin Coolidge Jr. (July 4, 1872 – January 5, 1933)

Calvin Coolidge was the 30th president of the United States who was
mostly remembered for being a man of few words, which earn him the
nickname Silent Cal. He was a farmer, school teacher, and local store
clerk. Coolidge achieved national recognition for his handling of the
Boston Police Strike of 1919. He held a record number of presidential
press conferences for the time, totaling 520.

CAMILLE BOHANNON

It was on this day in 1964.

On this day in 1834, Cyrus McCormick patented the first practical mechanical reaper for farming. His invention allowed farmers to
more than double their crop size.

On this day in 1982, a federal jury found John W. Hinckley Jr. not guilty of attempting to assassinate the president because he was legally insane at
the time he shot President Reagan and three others on March 30, 1981.

President Reagan waves, then looks up before being shoved (AP)
into Presidential limousine by Secret Service agents after
being shot outside a hotel in Washington in 1981.