On this day

May 9, 1961

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

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Headlines from May 9, 1961

Washington Cheers Shepard as Hero; Astronaut Decorated by Kennedy -- Tells Story of Flight Washington Hails Shepard as a Hero and Hears Him Tell Story of Space Flight ASTRONAUT SAYS TRIP WAS 'SMOOTH' No 'Bad Moments at All,' Flier Relates on Day of Plaudits and Honors The Time Had Come to Present the Medal to the Astronaut, and the President -- Oops -- Did His Duty

By John W. Finney Special To the New York Times

decorated by Kennedy with NASA Distinguished Service Medal, White House; illus; cheered by Washingtonians on drive to Capitol to meet Congressmen; recounts experience, news conf

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Notable Births

John Corbett

1961John Corbett, American actor[†]

John Joseph Corbett Jr. is an American actor and country music singer. On television, he is best known for his roles as Chris Stevens on Northern Exposure (1990–1995), Aidan Shaw on Sex and the City (2000–2003), Max Gregson on United States of Tara (2009–2011), and Seth Holt on Parenthood (2011–2015). In film, he is known for roles in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise, Raising Helen (2004), The Messengers (2007), Sex and the City 2 (2010), Ramona & Beezus (2010), and the To All the Boys film trilogy (2018–2021).

Historical Context for May 9, 1961

In 1961, the world population was approximately 3,064,869,675 people[†]