Peek at the Past: Today in our nation's history

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002

Today is the 358th day of 2002 and the fourth day of winter.

TODAY'S HISTORY

On this day in 1871, Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Aida" premiered in Cairo. The opera was commissioned by the Khedive of Egypt to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal.

On this day in 1942, Germany launched the first surface-to-surface guided missile. The weapon was used against Great Britain two years later.

On this day in 1951, Libya gained its independence from Italy.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Kit Carson (1809-1868), U.S. frontiersman and soldier; Howard Hughes (1905-1976), industrialist; I.F. Stone (1907-1989), journalist; Ava Gardner (1922-1990), actress.

TODAY'S SPORTS

On this day in 1950, Lou "The Toe" Groza kicked a 16-yard field goal with 20 seconds left to give the Cleveland Browns the NFL Championship.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"After my screen test, the director clapped his hands gleefully and yelled: 'She can't talk! She can't act! She's sensational!'" -- Ava Gardner

TODAY'S MOON

Between full moon (Dec. 19) and last quarter (Dec. 26).

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

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