This day in history

[February 19, 2011]  (AP)  Today is Saturday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2011. There are 315 days left in the year.

Today's highlight in history:

On Feb. 19, 1945, during World War II, some 30,000 U.S. Marines began landing on Iwo Jima, where they commenced a successful month-long battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces.

On this date:

In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.

In 1803, Congress voted to accept Ohio's borders and constitution.

In 1846, the Texas state government was formally installed in Austin, with J. Pinckney Henderson taking the oath of office as governor.

In 1881, Kansas prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.

In 1911, actress Merle Oberon was born in Bombay, India.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the military to relocate and intern U.S. residents, including native-born Americans, of Japanese ancestry. Japanese warplanes raided the Australian city of Darwin; at least 243 people were killed.

In 1959, an agreement was signed by Britain, Turkey and Greece granting Cyprus its independence.

In 1983, 13 people were found shot to death at a gambling club in Seattle's Chinatown in what became known as the "Wah Mee Massacre." (Two Chinese immigrants were convicted of the killings and sentenced to life in prison.)

In 1997, Deng Xiaoping, the last of China's major Communist revolutionaries, died at age 92.

In 2008, an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power; his brother Raul was later named to succeed him.

Ten years ago: President George W. Bush opened a museum dedicated to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Movie producer-director Stanley Kramer died in Woodland Hills, Calif., at age 87.

Five years ago: A gas explosion in northern Mexico killed 65 miners. Israel halted the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in tax money to the Palestinians after Hamas took control of the Palestinian parliament. Jimmie Johnson won the Daytona 500. The East rallied from 21 points down for a 122-120 victory over the West in the NBA All-Star Game.

One year ago: In a televised statement, golfer Tiger Woods admitted infidelity and acknowledged receiving therapy. The FBI concluded that Army scientist Bruce Ivins (EYE'-vinz) acted alone in the 2001 anthrax mailings that killed five people, and formally closed the case. Pope Benedict XVI approved sainthood for Mother Mary MacKillop, who became Australia's first saint.

Today's birthdays: Singer Smokey Robinson is 71. Singer Bobby Rogers (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles) is 71. Actress Carlin Glynn is 71. Sony Chairman, CEO and President Howard Stringer is 69. Singer Lou Christie is 68. Actor Michael Nader is 66. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) is 63. Author Amy Tan is 59. Actor Jeff Daniels is 56. Rock singer-musician Dave Wakeling is 55. Talk show host Lorianne Crook is 54. Actor Ray Winstone is 54. Actor Leslie David Baker (TV: "The Office") is 53. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is 52. Britain's Prince Andrew is 51. Tennis Hall-of-Famer Hana Mandlikova is 49. Singer Seal is 48. Actress Jessica Tuck is 48. Country musician Ralph McCauley (Wild Horses) is 47. Rock musician Jon Fishman (Phish) is 46. Actress Justine Bateman is 45. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 44. Rock musician Daniel Adair is 36. Pop singer-actress Haylie Duff is 26.

Thought for today: "Look at everything as though you were seeing it for the first time or the last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory." -- Betty Smith, American author (1896-1972)

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.