Today is Tuesday, Sept. 2, the 245th day of 2003. There are 120 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 2, the 245th day of 2003. There are 120 days left in the year. On this date in 1945, Japan formally surrenders in ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri, ending World War II.
In 1666, the Great Fire of London breaks out, claiming thousands of homes but only a few lives. In 1789, the U.S. Treasury Department is established. In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Gen. William T. Sherman's forces occupies Atlanta. In 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt offers the advice, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" in a speech at the Minnesota State Fair. In 1945, Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam an independent republic. In 1963, Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace prevents the integration of Tuskegee High School by encircling the building with state troopers. In 1963, "The CBS Evening News" with Walter Cronkite is lengthened from 15 to 30 minutes, becoming network television's first half-hour nightly newscast. In 1969, North Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh dies. In 1985, it is announced that a U.S.-French expedition has located the wreckage of the Titanic about 560 miles off Newfoundland.
September 2, 1978: "Despite many disheartening and distressing signs in this country, those of you who have come here to gain liberty, freedom and opportunity, have not come in vain," Mahoning County Propbate Judge Charles P. Henderson tells 37 men and women from 14 countries who are sworn in as citizens.
Reports of pot smoking by some cadets training to become Pennsylvania troopers at the state poplice academy spurs an investigation.
September 2, 1963: David Tod retains the Youngstown Country Club championship, defeating Fordyce Gayton in a 36-hole match.
Om this Labor Day, industry in the Mahoning Valley is working at a higher level than a year ago and prospects for the rest of the years are strong, writes Industrial Editor George R. Reiss.
September 2, 1953: A 16-year temperatuer record for Sept. 2 is broken as the mercury soars to 96 degrees, with predictions that Youngstown's heat wave will continue.
Hospital and Youngstown city scool officials move to ease the nursing shortage, approving a plan for a practical nursing course at Choffin Vocational School. Practical nurses are earning about $10 a day.
September 2, 1928: The New Wilmington-Sharpsville train strikes the car of John Bale at a private crossing on the the Bale driveway, killingv Mrs. elizabeth Bale, 35. The fgamily was used to the train coming through at the same time each day, but it was running an hour late and caught them off guard. Bale and the couple's 9-year-old son were injured.
A charter amendment to provide for the election of seven Youngstown councilmen-at-large, eliminating the city's wards, is proposed by Council President W.L. Buchanan. The councilmen would be paid $3,000 a year.
A total of $908,160 is paid by the Mahoninf Valley Sanitary District to 92 property owners for land necessary for creation of the Meander Reservoir.