Today in History

Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s trail for crimes against humanity begins in Baghdad.

Mother Teresa is beatified by Pope John Paul II for her work among “the poorest of the poor” in India.

The 1975 conviction of the Guilford Four overturned by British courts; the 4 men had been convicted in the 1974 Guilford pub bombings.

British government bans TV and radio interviews with members of Irish political group Sinn Fein and 11 paramilitary groups.

In retaliation for Iranian attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf, the U. S. navy disables three of Iran’s offshore oil platforms.

President Richard Nixon rejects an Appeals Court demand to turn over the Watergate tapes.

Trey Parker, actor, animator, screenwriter, director, musician; co-creator of animated TV series South Park; co-wrote, co-directed multiple–Tony Award winning musical The Book of Mormon.

Amy Carter, daughter of American president (1977-81) Jimmy Carter, she engaged in social activism in the 1980s.

Prince Laurent of Belgium.

Evander Holyfield, professional boxer; held Undisputed World Champion title in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions; known as “The Real Deal.” In a 1997 bout, challenger Mike Tyson bit off part of one of Holyfield’s ears.

Canada and the United States agree to undertake a joint Columbia River project to provide hydroelectric power and flood control.

Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform political group, which opposes all tax increases.

Egypt and Britain conclude a pact on the Suez Canal, ending 72 years of British military occupation. Britain agrees to withdraw its 80,000-man force within 20 months, and Egypt agrees to maintain freedom of canal navigation.

The North Korean capital of Pyongyang is captured by U.N. troops.

The People’s Republic of China is formally proclaimed.