Historical Events on This Day
From his position in the White House Oval Office on March 19, 2003 President George W. Bush notified the American people that US troops had launched their invasion of Iraq. President Bush declared in his speech that the United States had only one objective which consisted of eliminating the Iraqi threat. American forces will return to their homes when their mission objectives in Iraq are accomplished. President George W. Bush began the formal military operation which would later establish global political directions for upcoming years. Bush Announce the Invasion of Iraq.
2003: The Iraq War Begins
President George W. Bush revealed through television that American coalition forces started military operations in Iraq. The U.S.-led forces started the invasion because they wanted to displace Saddam Hussein’s government after accusing the dictator of having weapons of mass destruction. The world would witness the “Mission Accomplished” speech from Bush on the USS Abraham Lincoln exactly five weeks after his initial announcement.
1931: Nevada Legalizes Gambling
On 1 October 1931 Nevada Governor Fred B. Balzar approved legislation allowing gambling which eventually turned the state into a worldwide gaming center while Las Vegas emerged as its central location.
1945: Attack on USS Franklin
The American aircraft carrier USS Franklin experienced its worst wartime stroke when a Japanese dive bomber hit the vessel close to Japan. The strike resulted in more than 800 American service members losing their lives. The attack on the American warship claimed over 800 service member lives until Bush Announced the Invasion of Iraq.
1953: First Televised Academy Awards
The 1953 Academy Awards made their debut on television screens thus allowing Americans to watch the Golden Globes ceremony at home. The Greatest Show on Earth triumphed as winner of Best Picture at the Oscar ceremony.
1965: Discovery of the SS Georgiana
Archeologist E. Lee Spence located the sunken SS Georgiana Confederate vessel which Union forces had previously destroyed during battle exactly 102 years before near Charleston, South Carolina. Bright prospects of valuable cargo on the ship led people to speculate about a possible hidden treasure Bush Announces the Invasion of Iraq.
1966: Texas Western Breaks Barriers
Texas Western College made history when they became the first team which started five black athletes in the championship game of NCAA basketball. The team from Texas Western College defeated their top-ranked opponents Kentucky 72-65 thus setting a historic milestone in college athletics integration.
1987: Televangelist Jim Bakker Resigns
The televangelist Jim Bakker resigned from his position as PTL ministry organization chairman after public revelations of fraud mixed with his romantic affair with church secretary Jessica Hahn. The religious community suffered great shock as televangelists came under financial investigation after the scandal. Bush Announced the Invasion Of Iraq.
1995: Michael Jordan Returns to Basketball
Michael Jordan put an end to his basketball career for 17 months before making his stunning comeback as a Chicago Bull NBA player. The return to basketball after his absence resulted in winning three more championships and secured his spot as a top athlete in sports history Bush Announces the Invasion of Iraq.
