On this day in 1972, the world witnessed a grave act of terrorism at the Munich Olympic Games. Palestinian militants launched a brazen attack on the Israeli Olympic team, resulting in the tragic deaths of two athletes. What followed was a tense 24 hours, as nine other hostages were taken, culminating in the deaths of all nine, five militants, and a German police officer.
Also On This Day:
1774: The First Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia’s Carpenters’ Hall, marking a pivotal moment in American history. Delegates from 12 colonies united to confront the British Parliament’s harsh measures, including the notorious “Intolerable Acts.” This assembly laid the groundwork for the American Revolution, shaping the destiny of a nation.
1836: In the newly formed Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, a towering figure of leadership and valor, was elected as the first president. Known for his heroism during the Battle of San Jacinto, Houston’s victory cemented his place in the annals of Texan history.
1905: The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed, officially ending the bloody Russo-Japanese War. U.S.
President Theodore Roosevelt played a crucial role in mediating peace, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize—a testament to his diplomatic prowess and leadership on the world stage.
1957: Jack Kerouac’s groundbreaking novel, On the Road, was published, forever altering the literary landscape. This iconic work, rich with themes of freedom, rebellion, and exploration, became the anthem of the postwar Beat and Counterculture generations, leaving an indelible influence on American culture.
Cassius Clay, 18-year-old from Louisville, Ky.
1960: A young Cassius Clay, who would later become the legendary Muhammad Ali, captured Olympic gold in the light heavyweight division at the Rome Olympics. This moment marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would redefine the world of boxing and make Ali a global icon of courage and conviction.
1975: In a shocking moment, President Gerald R. Ford narrowly survived an assassination attempt by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, in Sacramento, California. The attempted assassination shook the nation and highlighted the ever-present risks faced by world leaders.
1986: A horrific hijacking unfolded in Karachi, Pakistan, as four gunmen seized a Pan Am jumbo jet. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, 20 passengers and crew lost their lives before Pakistani commandos could storm the plane. This tragic incident underscored the growing threat of global terrorism.
1991: The Naval Aviation Symposium, hosted by the Tailhook Association in Las Vegas, became infamous for reports of sexual assault and harassment. What was meant to be a professional gathering spiraled into scandal, with as many as 90 people, primarily women, being victimized. The fallout was swift, leading to the resignation of Navy Secretary Henry L. Garrett III and a reckoning within the U.S. Navy.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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