Today is Wednesday, March 19, 2025, marking the 78th day of the year. There are still 287 days left in 2025, and the world continues to turn as history is written each day. On this date, significant events have shaped the course of history, with some of them leaving lasting impacts on society, culture, and politics.
One of the most pivotal moments in modern history occurred on March 19, 2003, when President George W. Bush made a televised address to the nation and announced the beginning of a military invasion of Iraq. This was the start of the Iraq War, a conflict that would continue for years and have far-reaching consequences. President Bush’s speech marked a key moment in U.S. foreign policy and was followed by an invasion led by coalition forces from the United States and its allies. Just over five weeks later, President Bush would deliver his infamous “Mission Accomplished” speech, declaring victory in Iraq, though the war would persist for much longer, evolving into a complex and controversial military engagement. The conflict ultimately resulted in significant loss of life, long-term political instability in the Middle East, and a shift in U.S. foreign policy.
But March 19 has a rich history beyond the events of 2003, with many other milestones that have contributed to the global tapestry of progress, achievement, and sometimes heartbreak.
In 1931, Nevada became the first state in the United States to legalize gambling. This monumental decision, signed into law by Governor Fred B. Balzar, set the stage for Nevada to become a hub of the gambling industry. The legalization of gambling in Nevada would pave the way for the construction of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, transforming the state into a global entertainment destination. Over the years, the expansion of legal gambling has shaped the economics of Nevada, with casinos becoming one of the state’s biggest sources of revenue.
Then, in 1945, during the height of World War II, the USS Franklin, a U.S. aircraft carrier, came under attack by a Japanese dive bomber near Japan. The devastating attack killed more than 800 service members and left the ship heavily damaged. This tragedy is one of many during the war that serves as a reminder of the high costs of global conflict. The USS Franklin’s survival after the attack and its return to the U.S. for repairs was a testament to the resilience of American military forces and the bravery of those who served on board.
The following year, 1953, saw the 25th Academy Awards ceremony, which marked a historic moment as the first Oscars event to be broadcast on television. The ceremony was a significant leap forward in the world of entertainment and media, giving millions of viewers the opportunity to witness the glamour and excitement of Hollywood’s biggest night. “The Greatest Show on Earth” took home the prestigious Oscar for Best Picture, cementing its place in film history. The event marked the beginning of the Academy Awards’ transformation into a global televised phenomenon, with each subsequent ceremony becoming an eagerly anticipated event.
1965 brought a moment of historical significance for archaeology, as E. Lee Spence discovered the wreckage of the SS Georgiana, a Confederate ship that had sunk near Charleston, South Carolina, 102 years earlier. This discovery provided valuable insight into the naval history of the Civil War and the significant role that the SS Georgiana played in the conflict. The recovery of the wreckage highlighted the importance of preserving history through archaeological exploration, helping future generations to understand and learn from past events.
In 1966, another groundbreaking moment in American sports history occurred when Texas Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso) became the first team to start five Black players in the NCAA basketball tournament’s championship game. The team, led by Coach Don Haskins, defeated top-ranked Kentucky 72-65 in a game that would go down in history as a symbol of the progress being made toward racial equality in sports. The victory was a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement, as it challenged the racial barriers that had long existed in college basketball. The story of that championship victory was later immortalized in the 2006 film “Glory Road.”
The next major milestone on March 19 occurred in 1987 when televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as chairman of his PTL (Praise The Lord) ministry amid a scandal involving sex and money. The scandal was tied to Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary who accused Bakker of sexual assault, leading to his public fall from grace. Bakker’s resignation marked the end of an era for the PTL ministry, which had once been a prominent force in Christian television. The scandal, which also involved the misuse of ministry funds, highlighted the dangers of unchecked power and influence in religious institutions.
In 1995, a different kind of comeback story unfolded when Michael Jordan, after announcing his retirement from basketball, made his return to the NBA and rejoined the Chicago Bulls. Jordan’s decision to return to the sport that made him a global icon was met with excitement and anticipation, and he would go on to lead the Bulls to three more NBA championships, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Jordan’s return was a testament to his passion for the game and his unwavering determination to succeed.
As we look at today, March 19, we also celebrate the birthdays of some influential individuals who have made their mark on the world. These include Ursula Andress, the Swiss actress famous for her role in the James Bond film “Dr. No,” who turns 89 today; Ruth Pointer, the talented singer from The Pointer Sisters, who is 79; Glenn Close, the renowned actress known for her roles in films like “Fatal Attraction” and “The Wife,” who is 78; and Bruce Willis, the action star known for his roles in the “Die Hard” franchise, who celebrates his 70th birthday. Also celebrating today is NFL coach Andy Reid, who is 67, and comedian and podcaster Theo Von, who turns 45.
Today’s birthdays serve as a reminder of the people who have contributed to our culture, entertainment, and society in countless ways. Whether through film, sports, or comedy, these individuals have entertained, inspired, and shaped the world around us.
March 19 is also a day that holds a special place in history, with each of these events helping to define the course of the past century. From wars and political decisions to moments of triumph in sports and entertainment, March 19 has seen a diverse range of pivotal moments that have shaped the world we live in today.
In conclusion, March 19, 2025, stands as a day for reflection, both in terms of remembering the past and looking forward to the future. It is a reminder that history is written not just in the most monumental events, but also in the everyday lives of the people who help to shape it.
