SANDY KOZEL
On this day in 1937, the German airship Hindenburg crashed and
burned in Lakehurst, NJ. Thirty-six people, of the 97 on board,
were killed.
Japanese troops landing on Corregidor.
On this day in 1942, during World War II, Japanese military seized
control of the Philippines. About 15,000 Americans and Filipinos
on Corregidor surrendered to the Japanese.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place in
Mexico on May 5, 1862. The battle was part of the Franco-Mexican War,
which began as a result of new Mexican President Benito Juarez defaulting
on the country’s loans from European governments. Britain, France and
Spain sent troops to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and
Spain eventually withdrew, but France continued its advance, hoping to
carve out a territory of Mexico for itself. France sent 6,000 troops to attack
the small town of Puebla de Los Angeles in east central Mexico. Juarez
responded by sending 2,000 men. Though they were outnumbered, the
Mexican army was victorious over the French. However, it would be
another five years before the French would withdraw from Mexico
completely. The first record of a Cinco de Mayo celebration appeared in
an article in a newspaper in Columbia, Calif. three days after the Battle
of Puebla. Big parties commemorating the Mexican military victory took
place.
CAMILLE BOHANNON
The Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on students during an
anti-Vietnam war protest at Kent State University on this day in
1970. Four students were killed and nine others were wounded.
Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first woman prime minister on
this day in 1979.
On this day in 1886, a bomb exploded on the fourth day of a workers’ strike in Chicago, IL. Eight people died in the violence during that
day.
Thirteen civil rights activists, dubbed "Freedom Riders," began a bus
trip through the South on this day in 1961.
After a mob attacked a bus with protesters in Alabama, hundreds
more joined the cause.
The notion of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
began with Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.The
official Articles of Incorporation for the organization were filed on
this day in 1927.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater (above) Named after filmmaker and studio
head Samuel Goldwyn. Opened in December 1975, and located within
the office building headquarters of the Academy of Motion Picture
Arts and Sciences, this is their main state-of-the-art screening room.
ROSS SIMPSON
Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide on this day in 1945,
one day after their wedding. One week later Germany surrendered
unconditionally.
A Russian soldier is standing amid the rubble in Adolf Hitler’s
command bunker where he and wife Eva Braun were alleged
to have committed suicide.
Communists North Vietnamese troops entered the Independence
Palace of South Vietnam in Saigon on this day in 1975. Eleven
Marines lifted off of the U.S. Embassy were the last soldiers to
evacuate.
George Washington’s inauguration as first President of America took
place at Federal Hall in New York City on this day in 1789. It became
the first U.S. national holiday.
Federal Hall as it looks today.
On this day in 1803, the United States purchased the Louisiana
Territory from France for $15 million.
Depiction of the official signing of the Louisiana Purchase.
Willie Hugh Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas in 1933. He’s now 85.
Country singer, activist, poet, songwriter, actor, and author Willie Nelson
helped create Farm Aid. He has written many country hits, including
“ On the Road Again”,"Funny How Time Slips Away" and "Hello Walls."
Airman Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson’s guitar Trigger (Martin N-20 classical)
SANDY KOZEL
On this day in 1945, Benito Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci
were executed by Italian partisans as they attempted to flee the
country.
Muhammad Ali (center) refused induction into the U.S. Army on this
day in 1967 and was stripped of his boxing title. He cited religious
grounds for his refusal.
A recruiting sergeant talks to Ali at the induction center in Houston.
A Russian rocket launched from Central Asia with the first space
tourist aboard on this day in 2001. The crew consisted of California businessman Dennis Tito (61) and two cosmonauts. The destination
was the international space station.
Dennis Tito Returns From Space Voyage.
Young Jay Leno High School Photo.
James Douglas Muir Leno is 68 years old today. He was born in New Rochelle, New York.
Stand-up comedian Jay Leno hosted The Tonight Show from 1992 to 2014 and
had gained additional fame for his exquisite car collection (below). He was
inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2014.
