TODAY’S HISTORY

1775: The Continental Congress created the U.S. Marine Corps.

1954: The USMC War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) was dedicated near Arlington National Cemetery.

1969: “Sesame Street” premiered on PBS.

1977: A human was conceived through invitro fertilization for the first time.

2001: China was approved for membership in the World Trade Organization.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Martin Luther (14831546), leader of the Protestant Reformation; William Hogarth (1697-1764), painter/engraver; Claude Rains (1889-1967), actor; Richard Burton (19251984), actor; Ennio Morricone (1928-2020), composer; Tim Rice (1944-), lyricist; Neil Gaiman (1960-), author; Tracy Morgan (1968-), actor/comedian; Ellen Pompeo (1969-), actress; Walton Goggins (1971-), actor; Brittany Murphy (1977-2009), actress; Eve (1978-), rapper/producer; Miranda Lambert (1983-), singer; Taron Egerton (1989-), actor.

TODAY’S FACT: In 2020, the annual U.s.-china trade deficit was $310 billion, down 10 percent from the 2019 deficit of $345 billion.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1990, the NBA’S Phoenix Suns scored a record 107 first-half points in their 173-143 win over the Denver Nuggets, just three days after the Nuggets had set the record with 90 first-half points against the San Antonio Spurs.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “My life growing up was a twisted Bronx version of ‘The Color Purple.’ It had a much different soundtrack and no trees, but that desperation was the same.” — Tracy Morgan

TODAY’S NUMBER: 1 — China’s rank in the World Trade Organization’s 2020 list of the leading exporters in world merchandise trade, with a 14.7% share. The United States was No. 2, with 8.1%.