Today’s Historical Highlights
Happy Sunday, October 20, 2024! It’s the 294th day of the year with only 72 days remaining.
On This Day in History:
Back in 1944, General Douglas MacArthur made good on his promise to return to the Philippines during World War II, specifically during the Battle of Leyte, after being ordered to evacuate the country by President Franklin D. Roosevelt two years earlier.
Other Notable Events on October 20th:
– In 1803, the U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase.
– In 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee began hearings on alleged Communist influence in the U.S. film industry.
– In 1967, seven men were convicted in Mississippi for violating the civil rights of slain civil rights workers.
– In 1973, the infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” occurred during the Watergate scandal.
– In 1990, members of the rap group 2 Live Crew were acquitted of obscenity charges.
– In 2011, Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was killed in Sirte after 42 years in power.
Celebrity Birthdays Today:
- Empress Michiko of Japan turns 90
- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson is 87
- MLB Hall of Famer Juan Marichal celebrates his 87th birthday
- Former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky turns 84
- Retired MLB All-Star Keith Hernandez is 71 today
- Film director Danny Boyle celebrates his 68th birthday
- Actor Viggo Mortensen turns 66
- Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, is 60 today
- Rapper Snoop Dogg celebrates his 53rd birthday
- Actor John Krasinski turns 45
