Today in History: September 19, State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

Today is Thursday, September 19, the 263rd day of 2024. There are 103 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On September 19, 2022, Britain and the world said a final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II at a state funeral that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and huge crowds that filled the streets of London.

Also on this date:

In 1796, President George Washington’s Farewell Address was published. In it, the first American president advised: “Maintain good faith and justice with all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.”

In 1881, the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield, died 2 1/2 months after being shot by Charles Guiteau. He was succeeded by Vice President Chester A. Arthur.

In 1955, Argentine President Juan Perón was deposed after a revolt by the army and navy.

In 1957, the United States conducted its first underground nuclear test, codenamed “Rainier,” in the Nevada desert.

In 1985, the Mexico City region was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed at least 9,500 people.

In 1988, Olympic diver Greg Louganis suffered a concussion after hitting his head on a diving board during the preliminary round of the 3-meter springboard diving competition at the Summer Games in Seoul. Louganis recovered from the injury and won a gold medal in the event the following day.

In 1995, The New York Times and The Washington Post published Unabomber Ted Kaczynski’s manifesto (kah-ZIHN’-skee), which was instrumental in his identification and arrest.

In 2004, Hu Jintao (hoo jin-tow) became the undisputed leader of China after former President Jiang Zemin (jahng zuh-MEEN’) left his top military post.

In 2008, struggling to avert financial disaster, the Bush administration unveiled a radical rescue plan that called for the takeover of half a trillion dollars or more in bad mortgages and other bad debt from ailing institutions. Relieved investors sent stocks soaring on Wall Street and around the world.

In 2011, Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees recorded his 602nd save, making him the leading baseball player of all time in this category.

Today’s birthday:

• Actor Rosemary Harris is 97.
• Singer-songwriter Paul Williams is 84.
• Singer Bill Medley (The Righteous Brothers) is 84.
• Singer Sylvia Tyson (Ian and Sylvia) is 84.
• R&B singer Freda Payne is 82.
• Actor Jeremy Irons is 76.
• Model-actor Twiggy Lawson is 75.
• TV personality Joan Lunden is 74.
• Musician-producer Nile Rodgers is 72.
• Rock singer Lita Ford is 66.
• Musician Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) is 62.
• Country singer Trisha Yearwood is 60.
• Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is 59.
• Newscaster Soledad O’Brien is 58.
• Actor Sanaa Lathan (suh-NAH’ LAY’-thun) is 53.
• “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon is 50.
• Actor Columbus Short is 42.