September 22, 2023

1776: Nathan Hale, an American Revolutionary War soldier and spy for the Continental Army, was hanged by the British. He’s best remembered for his last words: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

1862: following the ostensible Union victory at the Battle of Antietam (or Sharpsburg), Lincoln issued his so-called preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which warned Confederate states that if they did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863—100 days hence—then “all persons held as slaves within any [such] State[s] . . . shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons . . . .” Predictably, perhaps, no rebellious state returned to the Union during the subsequent 100 days. The Final Proclamation.

1927: The long awaited re-match between ex-champion Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney is watched by 150,000 Chicago fans at Soldier Field for this 10 round World Heavyweight Championship Match. Tunney won but only after a hard fight and fans wondering if he did get up before the count in the seventh round after Dempsey knocked him out.

1961: President John F. Kennedy signs legislation establishing the Peace Corps as a permanent government agency which could provide a new and unique weapon in the war against communism and reinvigorate U.S. foreign policy by improving the lives of people in less developed countries.

1975: Sara Jane Moore attempted to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford in San Francisco, but her shot missed.

2007: Marcel Marceau, the famous French mime artist, died at the age of 84. Marceau was most famous for his character Bip, the white-faced clown.

Celebrity Birthdays

Michael Faraday (1791-1867) – An influential British scientist who made pioneering contributions to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry.
Andrea Bocelli (1958) – A renowned Italian tenor, songwriter, and record producer. He’s one of the most celebrated singers, especially known for his operatic performances.
Joan Jett (1958) – American rock singer, songwriter, composer, musician, and record producer. She’s best known for hits with her band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, like “I Love Rock ‘n Roll.”
Tom Felton (1987) – British actor known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” film series.
Bonnie Hunt (1961) – American actress, comedian, director, producer, and television host. She’s known for roles in movies like “Jumanji” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.”
Tatiana Maslany (1985) – Canadian actress known for her multiple roles in the TV show “Orphan Black,” which earned her an Emmy Award.
Scott Baio (1960) – American actor known for his roles in “Happy Days,” “Joanie Loves Chachi,” and “Charles in Charge.”
Billie Piper (1982) – English actress and singer. She first came to prominence as a pop singer in her teens and later transitioned to acting roles, with notable roles in “Doctor Who” and “Penny Dreadful.”
Ruth Jones (1966) – Welsh actress and writer, known for her work on the British TV show “Gavin & Stacey.”
Erin Pitt (1999) – Canadian actress known for her roles in horror movies and the series “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.”
Debby Boone (1956) – American singer, author, and actress, known for her hit song “You Light Up My Life.”