Today in 1954, the Miss America beauty pageant was first televised on ABC-TV. Miss California – Lee Ann Meriwether – was crowned the winner and John Daly was the host. During this same broadcast, Bert Parks began a 25-year career as host of the “Miss America Pageant” on NBC-TV. The show became a tradition as Parks sang to the newly crowned beauty queen, “There She is … Miss America.” The song was composed by Bernie Wayne and was sung for the first time on this day.
Today in 1987, Dan Rather walked off the set of the “CBS Evening News” in protest of the network’s tennis coverage running into the news broadcast (the match ran into overtime). When the tennis coverage ended, Dan wasn’t there, and the network went black for 6 minutes.
Today in 1992, a 17-year-old gunman opened fire in a hallway of Palo Duro High School Amarillo, Texas, following a pep rally. Eight students were injured. The incident was believed to be the result of gang violence, at first. Later, it was determined to have followed a fight. Still, the shooter has never revealed the true motivation – he also remains incarcerated with a release date of October 2039.
Today in 1998, President Clinton said the words “I’m sorry” forthe first time about his affair with Monica Lewinsky and described his behavior as indefensible.
Today in 1999, at just 17-years of age, Serena Williams won the US Open women’s title, beating top-seeded Martina Hingis, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).
Today in 2001, four airliners were hijacked and intentionally crashed in the United States. Two airliners hit the World Trade Center, which collapsed shortly after, in New York City. One airliner hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Another airliner crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
Today in 2002, the Pentagon was officially rededicated by President Bush after repairs were completed, exactly one year after the attack on the building.
Today in 2007, Russia tested the largest conventional weapon ever, known as the FOAB or Father of all bombs.
Today in 2012, terrorists attacked the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Four Americans were brutally murdered – including Ambassador Christopher Stevens – and ten others were injured.
Today in 2017, Hurricane Irma left more than 12-million without power in Florida and Georgia.
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