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more events on September 20
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2011
US military ends its “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and allows gay men and women to serve openly.
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2008
A truck loaded with explosives detonates by Marriott hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing 45 and injuring 226.
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2001
US Pres. George W. Bush, addressing a joint session of Congress, declares a “war on terror.”.
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2000
British MI6 Secret intelligence Service building in London attacked by unidentified group using RPG-22 anti-tank missile.
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1990
South Ossetia declares its independence from George in the former Soviet Union.
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1985
Australia introduces a capital gains tax.
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1984
Suicide car bomber attacks US embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 22.
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1977
Socialist Republic of Vietnam admitted to the United Nations.
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1973
In a pro tennis bout dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes,” Billie Jean King beats Bobby Riggs at the Houston Astrodome in Texas.
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1971
Hurricane Irene becomes the first hurricane known to cross from the Atlantic to Pacific, where it is renamed Hurricane Olivia.
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1967
Kristen Johnston, actress; won two Emmy Awards as Sally Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun TV series.
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1952
Scientists confirm that DNA holds hereditary data.
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1941
Dale Chihuly, sculptor known for his unique creations in blown glass.
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1934
Sofia Loren (Sofia Scicolone), first actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for a performance in a non-English language film (Two Women); received Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievements (1995).
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Bruno Hauptmann arrested for the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby.