September second

Today's Highlight in History:
On September second, 1945, Japan formally surrendered in ceremonies aboard the USS "Missouri," ending World War Two.

On this date:
In 1666, the Great Fire of London broke out, claiming thousands of homes, but only a few lives.

In 1789, the United States Treasury Department was established.

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman's forces occupied Atlanta.

In 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt offered the advice, "Speak softly and carry a big stick," in a speech at the Minnesota State Fair.

In 1930, the first non-stop airplane flight from Europe to the US was completed as Captain Dieudonne Coste and Maurice Bellonte of France arrived in Valley Stream, New York, aboard "The Question Mark."

In 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam an independent republic.

In 1963, Alabama Governor George C. Wallace prevented the integration of Tuskegee High School by encircling the building with state troopers.

In 1969, North Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh died.

In 1985, it was announced that a US-French expedition had located the wreckage of the "Titanic" about 560 miles off Newfoundland.

In 1998, a Swissair MD-11 jetliner crashed off Nova Scotia, killing all 229 people aboard.

Ten years ago: Dozens of Americans reached freedom in the first major airlift of Westerners from Iraq during the month-old Persian Gulf crisis. Dave Stieb of the Toronto Blue Jays hurled a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians, winning 3-0.

Five years ago: At a military cemetery on a hill high above Honolulu, President Clinton marked the 50th anniversary of the end of World War Two, saying it taught Americans that "the blessings of freedom are never easy or free."

One year ago: It was announced that President and Mrs. Clinton had signed a contract to purchase a $1.7 million house in Chappaqua, New York, ending a months-long guessing game over where the couple would live after leaving the White House.

"Integrity needs no rules."

-- Albert Camus, French author and philosopher (1913-1960).