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

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Today is the 83rd day of 2004 and the fourth day of spring.

TODAY'S HISTORY

In 1903, the Wright Brothers applied for a patent for their invention of the first successful airplane.

In 1919, Italy's Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist movement.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proposed developing a space-based defense system, later known as "Star Wars."

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998), filmmaker; Roger Bannister (1929-), athlete, is 75; Ric Ocasek (1949-), musician, is 55; Chaka Khan (1953-), singer, is 51; Richard Grieco (1965-), actor, is 39; Jason Kidd (1973-), basketball player, is 31.

TODAY'S SPORTS

In 1994, NHL star Wayne Gretzky scored his record 802nd career goal.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" -- Patrick Henry

TODAY'S FACT

Three U.S. presidents -- John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe — have died on July 4.

TODAY'S NUMBER

76,876,129 -- passenger arrivals and departures at Hartsfield Atlanta, the busiest U.S. airport in 2002.

TODAY'S MOON

Between new moon (March 20) and first quarter (March 28).

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

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