June 12th

Today's Highlight in History:
On June 12th, 1987, President Reagan, during a visit to the divided German city of Berlin, publicly challenged Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev to "tear down this wall."

On this date:
In 1665, England installed a municipal government in New York, formerly the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam.

In 1776, Virginia's colonial legislature became the first to adopt a Bill of Rights.

In 1838, the Iowa Territory was organized.

In 1898, Philippine nationalists declared independence from Spain.

In 1937, the Soviet Union executed eight army leaders as a purge under Josef Stalin continued.

In 1939, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum was dedicated in Cooperstown, New York.

In 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers was fatally shot in front of his home in Jackson, Mississippi.

In 1967, the Supreme Court struck down state laws prohibiting interracial marriages.

In 1978, David Berkowitz was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each of the six "Son of Sam" .44-caliber killings that had terrified New Yorkers.

In 1979, 26-year-old cyclist Bryan Allen flew the man-powered Gossamer Albatross across the English Channel.

Ten years ago: In a speech to the Supreme Soviet legislature, President Mikhail S. Gorbachev eased his objection to a reunified Germany holding membership in NATO.

Five years ago: The Supreme Court dealt a potentially crippling blow to federal affirmative action programs, ruling Congress was limited by the same strict standards as states in offering special help to minorities. Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady, rescued after being shot down over Bosnia, was treated to lunch at the White House and a hero's welcome at the Pentagon.

One year ago: Thousands of NATO peacekeeping troops poured into Kosovo by air and by land; but in a surprising move, a Russian armored column entered Pristina before dawn to a heroes' welcome from Serb residents.

"It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor."

-- Eric Hoffer, American philosopher (1902-1983).