On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress formed a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence calling for freedom from Britain.

Ten years ago: Al-Qaida in Iraq vowed “major attacks” after the death of leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a U.S. airstrike. “The History Boys” won six Tony Awards, including best play; “Jersey Boys” was named best musical and won four awards. Civil rights activist James Cameron, who’d survived an attempted lynching and went on to found America’s Black Holocaust Museum, died in Milwaukee at age 92.

Five years ago: Rejecting calls by Democratic leaders for him to resign in a sexting scandal, Rep. Anthony Weiner instead announced he was seeking professional treatment and asked for a leave of absence from Congress. (Weiner ended up resigning his office.) Ruler on Ice posted a huge upset in the Belmont Stakes, taking the lead from Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford in the straight and winning the final leg of the Triple Crown.

One year ago: Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. military’s reach could extend even further into Iraq if the anti-Islamic State campaign were to gain momentum, and held out the possibility of a greater role for U.S troops on the ground.

— By The Associated Press