On December 19, 1777, commander of the Continental Army
George Washington, the future first president of the United
States, lead his beleaguered troops into winter quarters at
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Director James Cameron’s epic drama Titanic, the story of the
real-life luxury ocean liner that struck an iceberg and sank on
its maiden voyage in 1912, resulting in the deaths of more than
1,500 passengers and crew, opened in theaters.

The film also immortalized the line “I’m the king of the world!,”
which Cameron famously repeated during the Oscar ceremony,
as he picked up his gold statuette for Best Director.

James Francis Cameron

vowed to finish his term.

After nearly 14 hours of debate, the House of Representatives
approved two articles of impeachment against President Bill
Clinton, charging him with lying under oath to a federal grand
jury and obstructing justice.

Swimmers assist Apollo 17 astronauts Eugene A. Cernan,
left, Ronald E. Evans, and Harrison H. “Jack” Schmitt in
the life raft. (NASA Image)

The Apollo Lunar-Landing program came to an
end on December 19, 1972, when the last three
astronauts to travel to the moon splashed
down safely in the  Pacific Ocean.

Apollo 17 had lifted off from Cape Canaveral,
Florida 10 days before.

        

         
         
       

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song originally written and
first recorded in 1939 by Solomon Linda under the title
"Mbube", through South African Gallo Record Company.

In 1961, a version adapted into English by the doo-wop
group the Tokens became a number-one hit in the United
States on this day in 1961. It earned millions in royalties
from cover versions and film licensing.

Lyrics of Linda’s original version were written in Zulu, while
those from the Tokens’ adaptation were written by George
David Weiss.

The song has been adapted and covered internationally by
many pop and folk artists. It was first recorded in the United
States by the Weavers in November 1951, and published
under the title "Wimoweh."

The Tokens