Major Robert Lawrence(the first African American astronaut, was killed during training exercises)–
John Lennon(musician, founding member of The Beatles)–
John Glenn(astronaut, first American to orbit Earth)–
Caroll Spinney(puppeteer; best known for Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch)–
Ryan O'Neal(actor)–
Events
American Federation of Labor is organized at Columbus, Ohio, with Samuel Gompers as first president –
American Bird Banding Association formed, first such society in U.S. –
The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert –
John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields poem was published –
U.S. declared war on Japan (WW II) –
Nine N.Y.C. newspapers shut down when International Typographical Union workers strike –
Musician and former Beatle John Lennon was shot and killed in New York City –
Russian leaders announced the dissolution of the Soviet Union –
Element 111, roentgenium, first created –
At three Anheuser-Busch properties (Merrimack, New Hampshire; St. Louis, Missouri; and Fort Collins, Colorado) 896 couples gathered to kiss under the mistletoe, setting a new Guinness World Record –
Weather
Icefalls at Gay Hill, Texas, averaged four to six inches in diameter –
