December 25th, 2009

Today in History

1991:
Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as president of the Soviet Union (the union itself is dissolved the next day).

1989:
Nicolae Ceau?escu, former communist dictator of Romania, and his wife Elena are condemned to death and executed under a wide range of charges.

1974:
Cyclone Tracy devastates Darwin, Northern Territory Australia

1818:
The first performance of "Silent Night" takes place in the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria).

1223:
Saint Francis of Assisi assembles the first Nativity scene.