THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008

Today is Thursday, February 21, the 52nd day of 2008. There are 314 days left in the year.

1173 _ Pope Alexander III canonizes Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury

1431 _ England begins trial against Joan of Arc

1795 _ Freedom of worship established in France under constitution

1842 _ First known sewing machine patented in U.S., John Greenough, Washington D.C.

1916 _ Battle of Verdun (WWI) begins (1 million casualties)

1922 _ Great Britain grants Egypt independence

1947 _ First instant developing camera demonstrated in NYC

1952 _ Liz Taylor's second marriage (Michael Wilding)

1972 _ Richard Nixon becomes first US President to visit China

1977 _ 74 Unification Church couples wed in New York City performances