Today in history

Today is Thursday, June 22, the 173rd day of 2017 and the third day of summer.

On this date in the SCV: In 1923, The Signal reported that two men named Searcey and Jack Bailey got into an altercation at the National Forest Inn on the Ridge Route. Searcey was a large man, but Bailey, who was smaller, was about to come out best when Searcev drew a knife and started to carve on his opponent. They were arrested and brought before Judge Miller who set a date for trial some time in July.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1815, French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte

abdicated his throne for the second time. In 1870, Congress created the U.S. Department

of Justice. In 1942, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the U.S. Flag Code. In 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the GI Bill, providing benefits to veterans. In 1945, the Battle for Okinawa ended in an Allied victory after 83 days of fighting.

Today’s fact: The Pledge of Allegiance was first published in the September 1892 issue of The Youth’s Companion magazine, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the

Americas.

Today’s sports: In 1937, Joe Louis knocked out Jim Braddock in the eighth round, becoming the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion since Jack Johnson in 1915.

Today’s number: 49 – percentage of U.S. college students who were war veterans in 1947, marking the peak year of the GI Bill education program.

Today’s moon: Between last quarter moon (June 17) and new moon (June 23).