TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

Sept. 8, 1892

An early version of “The Pledge of Allegiance,” written by Francis Bellamy, appeared in “The Youth’s Companion.” It went: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” ALSO ON THIS DATE

1565

A Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in North America at present-day St. Augustine, Fla.

1664

The Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York.

1900

Galveston, Texas, was struck by a hurricane that killed an estimated 8,000people.

1935

Sen. Huey P. Long, a Louisiana Democrat, was shot and mortally wounded inside the Louisiana State Capitol; he died two days later.

1941

The 900-day Siege of Leningrad by German forces began during World War II.

1943

During World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower announced Italy’s surrender; Nazi Germany denounced Italy’s decision as a cowardly act.

1964

Public schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia, reopened after being closed for five years by officials attempting to prevent courtordered racial desegregation.

1974

President Gerald R. Ford granted a “full, free, and absolute pardon” to former President Richard Nixon covering his entire term in office.

1985

Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds tied Ty Cobb’s career record for hits, singling for hit number 4,191during a game against the Cubs in Chicago.

1994

USAir Flight 427, a Boeing 737, crashed into a ravine as it was approaching Pittsburgh International Airport, killing all 132people on board.