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

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002

Today is the 365th day of 2002 and the 11th day of winter.

TODAY'S HISTORY

On this day in 1781, the first modern bank in the United States, the Bank of North America in Philadelphia, received its charter from the Confederation Congress. It began operating on Jan. 7, 1782.

On this day in 1808, Col. John Nixon, patriot and businessman who was appointed to conduct the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, died.

On this day in 1999, the Republic of Panama assumed full responsibility for the Panama Canal and the U.S. Panama Canal was officially dissolved.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Charles Cornwallis (1738-1805), British general; Gen. George C. Marshall (1880-1959), U.S. Army general-statesman; Anthony Hopkins (1937-), actor, is 65; John Denver (1943-1997), singer-songwriter; Ben Kingsley (1943-), actor, is 59; Diane von Furstenberg (1946-), designer, is 56; Donna Summer (1948-), singer, is 54; Val Kilmer (1959-), actor, is 43.

TODAY'S SPORTS

On this day in 1967, the Dallas Cowboys played the Green Bay Packers for the NFL championship. The game, later dubbed the "Ice Bowl," was held in Green Bay, with temperatures dropping to 12 below zero and the wind blowing 14 miles per hour.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"Morale is a state of mind. It is steadfastness and courage and hope." -- Gen. George C. Marshall

TODAY'S MOON

Between last quarter (Dec. 26) and new moon (Jan. 2).

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

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