TODAY IN HISTORY: Hitler invades Poland

In 1939, Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler invaded Poland, starting the Second World War. One day earlier, Germany had concluded a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. Hitler was then free to attack Poland, following his earlier demands for the return of Danzig and the Polish Corridor. Italy proclaimed its neutrality. Britain and France declared war against Germany two days later, while Canada followed suit on Sept. 10.

In 1904, Montreal policeman Etienne Desmarteau became the first individual Olympic champion to represent Canada when he won the 56-pound weight throw in St. Louis. Desmarteau was fired for going to the Games, but reinstated when he returned with the gold medal. He died of typhoid the next year at age 32. Ontario’s George Orton had won the 2,500-metre steeplechase at the 1900 Games in Paris, but competed for the U.S. because Canada did not send a team.

In 1917, The Canadian Press was formed as a co-operative to exchange news among Canadian newspapers. It still operates today at papers across the nation, including The Penticton Herald.

In 1956, Elvis Presley bought his mother a pink Cadillac.

In 1967, guitarist and vocalist Boz

Scaggs joined The Steve Miller Band. He stayd with Miller for about two years before launching his own solo career.

In 1971, British Columbia banned alcohol and tobacco advertising.

In 1972, Bobby Fischer became the first American world chess champion, defeating Russia’s Boris Spassky in a 24-game match in Rejkavik, Iceland.

In 1982, musician Frank Zappa announced that he wouldn’t tour Europe because it was “too expensive and too violent.”

In 1983, 269 people, including 10 Canadians, died when Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down by a Soviet jet fighter after the jet entered Soviet airspace en route between Alaska and South Korea.

In 1995, Paul Bernardo was convicted of first-degree murder in the sex-slayings of Ontario schoolgirls Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French. A jury also found him guilty of seven other charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault. He was sentenced to life in prison.

In 2003, the Netherlands became the first country to make marijuana available as a prescription drug,

In 2014, Jimi Jamison, who sang lead on Survivor hits such as “Burning Heart” and “Is This Love,” died of a stroke at his home in Memphis, Tenn. He was 63. He joined the group in 1984 after it had already become known for “Eye of the Tiger,” a No. 1 song from 1982. Jamison also co-wrote and sang the “Baywatch” theme song, “I’m Always Here.”