TODAY IN HISTORY

Today’s highlight:

On March 19, 1945, during World War II, 724 people were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the carrier USS Franklin off Japan (the ship was saved). Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of German facilities that could fall into Allied hands in his socalled “Nero Decree,” which was largely disregarded.

On this date:

In 1859, the opera “Faust” by Charles Gounod premiered in Paris.

In 1931, Nevada Gov. Fred B. Balzar signed a measure legalizing casino gambling.

In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered men between the ages of 45 and 64, inclusive, to register for non-military duty.

In 1977, the series finale of “Mary Tyler Moore” aired on CBS-TV, ending the situation comedy’s seven-season run.

In 1991, Polish President Lech Walesa arrived in Washington for his first state visit to the United States.

In 1995, after a 21-month hiatus, Michael Jordan returned to professional basketball with his former team, the Chicago Bulls.

In 2003, President George W. Bush ordered the start of war against Iraq. (Because of the time difference, it was early March 20 in Iraq.)

In 2007, a methane gas explosion in a Siberian coal mine killed 110 workers.

In 2013, Pope Francis officially began his ministry as the 266th pope, receiving the ring symbolizing the papacy and a wool stole exemplifying his role as shepherd of his 1.2billion strong flock during a Mass at the Vatican.

Today’s birthdays:

Singer Clarence “Frogman” Henry is 85. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is

76. Actor Glenn Close is 75. Actor Bruce Willis is 67. Actorcomedian Mary Scheer is 59. Rock musician Gert Bettens (K’s Choice) is 52. Rapper Bun B is

49. Rock musician Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) is 46. Actor Virginia Williams is 44. MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw is 34.