September 7th, 2008

Today in History

1999:
A major earthquake close to Athens, Greece, results to the collapse of few buildings in the area. About 150 people are killed.

1965:
Vietnam War: In a follow-up to August's Operation Starlight, United States Marines and South Vietnamese forces initiate Operation Pirahna on the Batangan Peninsula.

1927:
The University of Minas Gerais is founded in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, by Governor Antônio Carlos.

1822:
Brazil declares its independence from Portugal.

1821:
The Republic of Gran Colombia (a federation covering much of presentday Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador) was established, with Simón Bolívar as the founding President and Francisco de Paula Santander as vice president.