September 12th

Today's Highlight in History:
On September 12th, 1960, Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy addressed the issue of his Roman Catholic faith, telling a Protestant group in Houston, "I do not speak for my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me."

On this date:
In 1609, English explorer Henry Hudson sailed into the river that now bears his name.

In 1880, author and journalist H.L. Mencken was born in Baltimore.

In 1938, Adolf Hitler demanded self-determination for the Sudeten Germans in Czechoslovakia.

In 1943, German paratroopers took Benito Mussolini from the hotel where he was being held by the Italian government.

In 1944, during World War Two, US Army troops entered Germany for the first time, near Trier.

In 1977, South African black student leader Steven Biko died while in police custody, triggering an international outcry.

In 1986, Joseph Cicippio, the acting comptroller at the American University in Beirut, was kidnapped; he was released in December 1991.

In 1988, Hurricane "Gilbert" slammed into Jamaica with torrential rains and winds of 145 miles-an-hour, killing 45 people and causing damage estimated at up to $1 billion.

In 1992, the space shuttle "Endeavour" blasted off, carrying Mark Lee and Jan Davis, the first married couple in space; Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space; and Mamoru Mohri, the first Japanese national to fly on a US spaceship.

In 1992, police in Peru captured Shining Path founder Abimael Guzman.

Ten years ago: Representatives of the World War Two allies and West and East Germany signed a treaty in Moscow giving international sanction to German unity.

Five years ago: The Belarussian military shot down a hydrogen balloon during an international race, killing its two American pilots.

One year ago: Under intense international pressure, Indonesia announced it would allow an international peacekeeping force to restore order to the devastated territory of East Timor. Andre Agassi captured his second US Open title, dominating Todd Martin 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, 6-2. "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal," both created by writer-producer David E. Kelley, were named best drama series and best comedy series at the 51st Emmy Awards.

"Nothing strengthens the judgment and quickens the conscience like individual responsibility."

-- Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American feminist (1815-1902).