October 21st
Today in 1774,Colonial America saw the first display of the word "Liberty" on a flag. It was raised by colonists in Taunton, Massachusetts and was in defiance of British rule.
Today in 1849,the "Tattooed Man" was first displayed in a circus. James O’Connell had first appeared at Barnum’s American Museum in 1842.
Today in 1854,Florence Nightingale was sent to the Crimean War with a staff of 38 volunteer nurses.
Today in 1879,Thomas Edison invented a workable electric light at his laboratoryin Menlo Park, New Jersey.
Today in 1913,the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company introduced the first blended cigarettes – "Camels." The brand's slogan, used for decades, was "I'd walk a mile for a Camel!" But that’s not the most interesting part of their story. The company is actually responsible for the first viral marketing campaign. Leading up to going on sale, simple ads reading “Camels are coming!” were posted everywhere for weeks…then, it was revealed…not the animals, but the product.
Today in 1918,Margaret Owen set the world record for manual typing at 170-words-per-minute.
Today in 1959,the Guggenheim Museum in New York opened to the public.
Today in 1967,more then 100-thousand Vietnam War protesters marched in Washington DC.
Today in 1969,author Jack Kerouac died at the age of 47. He was best known for his book, “On the Road.”
Today in 1976,the Cincinnati Reds swept the New York Yankees 7 to 2 in the fourth and final game of the World Series.
Today in 1983,the film, “The Dead Zone,” starring Christopher Walken,opened in theaters nationwide.
Today in 1997,Elton John's tribute song to Princess Diana, “Candle in the Wind ‘97”was declared the world's biggest-selling single– 31.8-million copies had been distributed around the globe. “The Guinness Book of Records” said the song had overtaken Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," which has sold an estimated 30-million copies worldwide.
Today in 1998,a radical environmental group, the Earth Liberation Front,claimed responsibility for firesthat caused $12-million in damage at the ski resort in Vail, Colorado.
Today in 1998,the New York Yankees swept the San Diego Padres,winning game four of the World Series, 4-to-0. Along the way, New York Yankees set a major league baseball record of 125 victories for the regular and postseason combined.
Today in 2001,the “United We Stand” benefit concert for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack victims was held at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. The benefit concert was organized and headlined by Michael Jackson and also featured Aerosmith, Mariah Carey and The Backstreet Boys.
Today in2007, MLB American League Championship: Boston Red Sox beat Cleveland Indians, 4 games to 3.
Today in2009, MLB National League Championship: Philadelphia Phillies beat Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games to 1.
Today in 2012,Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized as the first Native American saint by Pope Benedict XVI.
Today in 2014,Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to five years in prison for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. He was released in 2015 to finish the remainder of his sentencein home confinement.