October 21, 2017 - Today in history
1892
Schoolchildren across the U.S. observed Columbus Day (according to the Gregorian date) by reciting, for the first time, the original version of The Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy for The Youths Companion.
1937
After a 10-year rebuilding job directed by Edward Specter, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, backed by a successful public campaign for $300,000, presented its first concert as a major orchestra with Otto Klemperer as guest conductor.
1967
Tens of thousands of Vietnam War protesters began two days of demonstrations in Washington, D.C.
1981
Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburghs proposed private enterprise liquor store system failed in its first test vote.
Todays birthdays:
Actress Joyce Randolph, 93. Rock singer Manfred Mann, 77. Singer Elvin Bishop, 75. Actor Everett McGill, 72. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 68. Actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson, 68. Actor Ken Watanabe, 58. Actress Melora Walters, 57. Actor Will Estes, 39. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, 37.
Thought for today:
A man is what he thinks about all day long.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, poet and philosopher (1803-1882)