Today is Wednesday, Sept. 15, the 259th day of 2004. There are 107 days left in the year. The Jewish

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 15, the 259th day of 2004. There are 107 days left in the year. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, begins at sunset. On this date in 1963, four black girls are killed when a bomb goes off during Sunday services at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. (Three Ku Klux Klansmen are eventually convicted for their roles in the blast.)
In 1776, British forces occupy New York City during the American Revolution. In 1789, the U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs is renamed the Department of State. In 1821, independence is proclaimed for Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. In 1857, William Howard Taft -- who served as president of the United States and as U.S. chief justice -- is born in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1917, Russia is proclaimed a republic by Alexander Kerensky, the head of a provisional government. In 1935, the Nuremberg Laws deprive German Jews of their citizenship and make the swastika the official symbol of Nazi Germany. In 1940, during the Battle of Britain in World War II, the tide turns as the Luftwaffe suffers heavy losses inflicted by the Royal Air Force. In 1950, during the Korean conflict, United Nations forces land at Inchon in the south and begin their drive toward Seoul. In 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev arrives in America to begin a 13-day visit. In 1982, Iran's former foreign minister, Sadegh Ghotbzadeh, is executed after he was convicted of plotting against the government.
September 15, 1979: State Sen. Harry Meshel, D-Youngstown, announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for 19th District Congress. Nearly 1,000 people attend his announcement party at the Mahoning Country Club.
The worst flooding in the area in 15 years has killed two people and forced nearly 200 families from their homes as the Mahoning River overflows its banks.
A regional emergency medical system is needed for Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties, representatives of several private and public ambulance services say at a meeting of the Health Systems Agency of Eastern Ohio.
September 15, 1964: A Harris poll shows women voters favor President Johnson over Republican candidate Sen. Barry Goldwater, 64 percent to 36 percent. The poll gives Johnson a 60-40 advantage over Goldwater among men.
September 15, 1954: The West Side Merchants & amp; Property Owners Association pledges full support to the Mill Creek Park levy after hearing of its urgent need at a membership meeting.
After being given a tour of Youngstown's four worst slums, the Junior Chamber of Commerce slum clearance committee pledges its support for the $1 million bond urban development issue. After touring ramshackle dwellings, William G. Lyden Jr., director of public affairs for the Jaycees, says, "A look at them shows they are unlivable; going through them shows that clearance can't come too soon."
September 15, 1929: The second annual horse show of the Mill Creek Riding Club draws a crowd of nearly 3,000 to the club's grounds on Bear's Den Road.
Former Supreme Court Justice John H. Clarke of Youngstown arrives in San Francisco after flying across the continent. He will celebrate his 72nd birthday in San Francisco. He says in a telegram to Youngstown friends that his transcontinental flight was one of the most interesting experiences of his life.