September 21st

Today's Highlight in History:
On September 21st, 1949, the People's Republic of China was proclaimed by its Communist leaders.

On this date:
In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy.

In 1897, the New York Sun ran its famous editorial that declared, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."

In 1931, Britain went off the gold standard.

In 1938, a hurricane struck parts of New York and New England, causing widespread damage and claiming more than 600 lives.

In 1948, Milton Berle made his debut as permanent host of "The Texaco Star Theater" on NBC television.

In 1970, "NFL Monday Night Football" made its debut on ABC TV as the Cleveland Browns defeated the visiting New York Jets, 31-to-21.

In 1973, the US Senate confirmed Henry Kissinger to be Secretary of State.

In 1977, after weeks of controversy over past business and banking practices, President Carter's embattled budget director, Bert Lance, resigned.

In 1989, Hurricane "Hugo," packing winds of up to 135 miles-an-hour, crashed into Charleston, South Carolina.

In 1996, John F. Kennedy Junior married Carolyn Bessette in a secret ceremony on Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Ten years ago: During a meeting of the Supreme Soviet, President Mikhail S. Gorbachev scolded legislators for dragging its feet on an economic rescue plan, and asked for sweeping new emergency powers to stabilize the economy.

Five years ago: House Republicans unveiled partial details of their plan for Medicare aimed at achieving $270 billion in savings over seven years.

One year ago: The House Banking Committee opened an inquiry into allegations of a huge money-laundering scheme involving the Russian mob and the Bank of New York. A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan, killing at least 2400 people.

"We believe at once in evil, we only believe in good upon reflection. Is this not sad?"

-- Madame Dorothee Deluzy, French actress (1747-1830).