On Sept. 19th, 1796, President George Washington’s farewell address was published. In it, America’s first chief executive advised, “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.”

Ten years ago

President George W. Bush, speaking to the U.N. General Assembly, tried to quell anti-Americanism in the Middle East by assuring Muslims he was not waging war against Islam. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan delivered an emotional farewell address, appealing to the world to unite against human rights abuses, religious divisions, brutal conflicts and an unjust world economy. Thailand’s army commander staged a coup, ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra over accusations of corruption. Actress Elizabeth Allen, 77, died in Fishkill, New York.

Five years ago

In a White House address, a combative President Barack Obama demanded that the richest Americans pay higher taxes to help cut soaring U.S. deficits by more than $3 trillion. Mariano Rivera set a major league record with his 602nd save, closing out the New York Yankees’ 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins. Dolores Hope, the sultry-voiced songstress who was married to Bob Hope for 69 years, died in Los Angeles at age 102.

One year ago

Pope Francis, arriving in Havana, hailed detente between Cuba and the United States as a model of reconciliation for the world as he launched a 10-day tour of the former Cold War foes. President Barack Obama paid tribute to black women for their role in helping shape American democracy as he delivered the keynote address to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual awards dinner. Jackie Collins, 77, the bestselling author of dozens of novels including “Hollywood Wives,” died in Los Angeles.

— By The Associated Press


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