Today in history

Today is Wednesday, September 6, the 249th day of 2017 and the 79th day of summer.

On this date in the SCV: In 1945, The Signal reported that news on the future of Bermite awaited the return from Washington of President Patrick Lizza, who had left by plane with necessary inventory data to submit to the proper authorities. Since August 15 at least 20 railroad car loads of components had arrived at Saugus, and had been unloaded and placed in storage in the Bermite plant, pending a decision from Washington. The plant was literally packed with material, Mr. Lizza declared. Two courses were open with respect to the material, which included high explosives, propellant powder, detonators and all the other items necessary to the loading of ammunition. Either it could be assembled and shipped to arsenals, or it had to be cleared out in its present condition; it could not be left “laying around.” This was the principal reason for Mr. Lizza’s visit to the Capitol.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1522, Ferdinand Magellan’s ship, Victoria, docked in Sanlucar, Spain, completing the first global circumnavigation. Magellan himself had died en route. In 1901, President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. He died eight days later. In 1972, nine members of the Israeli Olympic team, taken hostage in Munich by Palestinian terrorists the day before, were killed during a failed rescue attempt. In 1997, funeral services were held in London for Diana, Princess of Wales.

Today’s fact: ore than 2.5 billion people worldwide were estimated to have watched at least part of Princess Diana’s funeral services on television in 1997.

Today’s sports: In 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles played in his 2,131st Major League Baseball game, breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive-games record.

Today’s number: 2,632 – consecutive games Cal Ripken Jr. ultimately played before taking a game day off on Sept. 20, 1998.

Today’s moon: Full moon (Sept. 6).

Birthdays

Jane Addams (1860-1935), social worker; Joseph P. Kennedy

Sr. (1888-1969), businessman/ ambassador; Roger Waters (1943- ), rock musician; Swoosie

Kurtz (1944- ), actress; Jane Curtin (1947- ), actress/comedian; Chris

Christie (1962- ), politician; Rosie Perez (1964- ), actress; Macy Gray (1967- ), singer-songwriter; Idris Elba (1972- ), actor; John Wall (1990- ), basketball player.