Today in History

Today is Saturday, March 29th, the 89th day of 2008. There are 277 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History: On March 29th, 1973, the last United States combat troops left South Vietnam, ending America's direct military involvement in the Vietnam War.

On this date: In 1638, Swedish colonists settled in present-day Delaware.

In 1790, the tenth president of the United States, John Tyler, was born in Charles City County, Virginia.

In 1847, victorious forces led by General Winfield Scott occupied the city of Veracruz after Mexican defenders capitulated.

In 1867, Britain's Parliament passed the British North America Act (later known as the Constitution Act) to create the Dominion of Canada.

In 1882, the Knights of Columbus was chartered in Connecticut.

In 1943, World War II rationing of meat, fats and cheese began.

In 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage. (They were executed in June 1953.) In 1962, Jack Paar hosted NBC's "Tonight" show for the final time.

In 1971, Army Lieutenant William L. Calley Junior was convicted of murdering 22 Vietnamese civilians in the My Lai (mee ly) massacre. (Calley ended up serving three years under house arrest.) In 1974, eight Ohio National Guardsmen were indicted on federal charges stemming from the shooting deaths of four students at Kent State University. (The charges were later dismissed.)


Ten years ago: Twenty-two people were killed when a Russian-made Antonov military plane crashed into a Peruvian shantytown outside the northern city of Piura. The Lady Vols of Tennessee won a third straight NCAA Basketball championship, defeating Louisiana Tech 93-75.

Five years ago: In Iraq, a bomber posing as a taxi driver blew up his vehicle, killing himself and four American soldiers. A Turkish man who'd hijacked a Turkish Airlines flight the day before was persuaded by Turkey's prime minister to release his 204 hostages after the plane landed in Athens, Greece. Michelle Kwan became only the third American to win five World Figure Skating Championships, after Dick Button and Carol Heiss.

One year ago: A defiant, Democratic-controlled Senate approved legislation calling for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq within a year. Veteran diplomat Ryan Crocker was sworn in as the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq. Multiple suicide bombers struck in predominantly Shiite markets in Baghdad and in a town north of the capital, killing more than 100 people. West Virginia beat Clemson, 78-73, for its first NIT title in 65 years.

Today's Birthdays: Political commentator John McLaughlin is 81.

Author Judith Guest is 72. Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major is 65. Comedian Eric Idle is 65. Composer Vangelis is 65.

Singer Bobby Kimball (Toto) is 61. Actor Christopher Lawford is 53.

Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas is 52. Actor Christopher Lambert is 51.

Rock singer Perry Farrell (Porno for Pyros; Jane's Addiction) is 49. Comedian-actress Amy Sedaris is 47. Model Elle Macpherson is 45. Rock singer-musician John Popper (Blues Traveler) is 41.

Actress Lucy Lawless is 40. Country singer Regina Leigh (Regina Regina) is 40. Country singer Brady Seals is 39. Tennis player Jennifer Capriati is 32. Pop singer Kelly Sweet is 20.

Thought for Today: "Materialists and madmen never have doubts." G.K. Chesterton, English author (1874-1936).

(Above Advance for Use Saturday, March 29th)


Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-17-08 0944CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list