This Day in History
1804: The Napoleonic Code, the basis of many European and Latin American legal systems, is approved in France.
1918 : In World War I , the 2d Battle of the Somme begins with the launch of a German offensive against British lines.
1960: Almost 70 blacks protesting apartheid are killed by government troops in Sharpeville, South Africa.
1965: Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. begins his march from Selma to Montgomery, AL, to demand federal protection of blacks' voting rights.
1984: Canada and northern European nations sign an agreement to significantly lower sulfur dioxide emissions to reduce acid rain.
1990: Namibia attains independence.
2003: U.S. forces capture oil fields near Basra, Iraq.
Today's Birthdays
1685: Johann Sebastian Bach, composer (Eisanach, Germany; died 1750)
1806: Benito Juarez, Mexican president and revolutionary leader (Oaxaca, Mexico; died 1872)
1910: Julio Gallo, vintner (Oakland, CA; died 1993)
1920: Eric Rohmer, director (France)
1934: Al Freeman, Jr., actor (San Antonio, TX)
1944: Timothy Dalton, actor (Colwyn Bay, Wales)
1958: Gary Oldman, actor (London, England)
1962: Matthew Broderick, actor (New York, NY). Rosie O'Donnell, TV personality/actress (Commack, NY)
1966: Cynthia Geary, actress (Jackson, MS)
