Historical Events on This Day
On March 19, 2003, President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office, announcing the beginning of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. In his speech, Bush reaffirmed the United States’ objective, stating, “We have no ambition in Iraq except to remove a threat. Our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done.” This marked the official start of a conflict that would significantly shape global politics in the years to come. Bush Announce the Invasion of Iraq.
2003: The Iraq War Begins
In a televised address, President George W. Bush declared that coalition forces had launched military operations in Iraq. The invasion aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime, which the U.S. accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction. Just over five weeks later, Bush would deliver his infamous “Mission Accomplished” speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
1931: Nevada Legalizes Gambling
On this day in 1931, Nevada Governor Fred B. Balzar signed a landmark bill legalizing gambling, a decision that would transform the state into a global gaming hub, with Las Vegas becoming its epicenter.
1945: Attack on USS Franklin
During World War II, the aircraft carrier USS Franklin suffered a devastating attack when a Japanese dive bomber struck the vessel near Japan. More than 800 U.S. service members lost their lives in the attack, making it one of the deadliest incidents for an American warship during the war Bush Announces the Invasion of Iraq.
1953: First Televised Academy Awards
The 25th Academy Awards were broadcast on television for the first time, bringing Hollywood’s biggest night into American homes. The Greatest Show on Earth won the Oscar for Best Picture.
1965: Discovery of the SS Georgiana
Archaeologist E. Lee Spence discovered the wreckage of the SS Georgiana, a Confederate ship that had been sunk by Union forces exactly 102 years earlier near Charleston, South Carolina. The ship had been rumored to be carrying valuable cargo, fueling legends of a lost treasure Bush Announces the Invasion of Iraq.
1966: Texas Western Breaks Barriers
Texas Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso) made history as the first team to start five Black players in an NCAA basketball championship game. They defeated top-ranked Kentucky 72-65, marking a pivotal moment in the desegregation of college athletics.
1987: Televangelist Jim Bakker Resigns
Amid a highly publicized scandal involving money and an affair with former church secretary Jessica Hahn, televangelist Jim Bakker stepped down as chairman of his PTL ministry organization. The scandal rocked the religious community and brought scrutiny to the financial dealings of televangelists Bush Announces the Invasion of Iraq.
1995: Michael Jordan Returns to Basketball
After retiring from professional basketball for 17 months, Michael Jordan made a dramatic return to the NBA, rejoining the Chicago Bulls. His comeback would lead to three more championship titles, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in sports history Bush Announces the Invasion of Iraq.
