December 30th

Today's Highlight in History:
On December 30th, 1922, Vladimir I. Lenin proclaimed the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

On this date:
In 1853, the United States bought some 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase.

In 1865, author Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India.

In 1903, about 600 people died when fire broke out at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago.

In 1911, Sun Yat-sen was elected the first president of the Republic of China.

In 1936, the United Auto Workers union staged its first "sit-down" strike, at the Fisher Body Plant Number One in Flint, Michigan.

In 1944, King George the Second of Greece proclaimed a regency to rule his country, virtually renouncing the throne.

In 1947, King Michael of Romania agreed to abdicate, but charged he was being forced off the throne by Communists.

In 1948, the Cole Porter musical "Kiss Me, Kate" opened on Broadway.

In 1972, the United States halted its heavy bombing of North Vietnam.

In 1993, Israel and the Vatican agreed to recognize each other.

Ten years ago: A Northwest Airlines DC-10, which had been the target of a telephoned threat, flew safely from Paris to Detroit with 17 passengers aboard amid extra-tight security.

Five years ago: US Army helicopter pilot Bobby Hall walked to freedom 13 days after he was captured by North Korea in a shootdown that claimed the life of co-pilot David Hilemon. A gunman walked into a pair of suburban Boston abortion clinics and opened fire, killing two employees and wounding five other people (John C. Salvi the Third was later convicted of murder; he committed suicide in prison).

One year ago: Weak but radiant with pride, Nkem Chukwu, the mother of the Houston octuplets, went home from the hospital.

"The meek shall inherit the earth -- if that's all right with you."

-- Anonymous.