Today is Thursday, Aug. 7, the 220th day of 2008. There are 146 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Thursday, Aug. 7, the 220th day of 2008. There are 146 days left in the year. On this date in 1942, U.S. and allied forces land at Guadalcanal, marking the start of the first major allied offensive in the Pacific during World War II.

In 1782, George Washington creates the Order of the Purple Heart, a decoration to recognize merit in enlisted men and non-commissioned officers. In 1882, the famous feud between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky erupts into full-scale violence as one member of the Hatfield clan is mortally wounded by three McCoy brothers, who end up being slain in turn. In 1927, the Peace Bridge between the United States and Canada is dedicated during ceremonies attended by Prince Edward of Wales, Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and U.S. Vice President Charles Dawes. In 1959, the United States launches Explorer 6, which sends back a picture of the Earth. In 1964, Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson broad powers in dealing with reported North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. forces. In 1974, French stuntman Philippe Petit repeatedly walks a tightrope strung between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center. In 1993, the public gets its first glimpse inside Buckingham Palace as people are given the opportunity to tour the London home of Queen Elizabeth II. (Proceeds are earmarked to help repair fire damage at Windsor Castle.)

August 7, 1983: Youngstown Health Commissioner Neil Altman strikes a deal with Animal Charity of Youngstown for people to adopt as pets healthy pigeons that are trapped by the city. Unhealthy birds will be humanely destroyed. Animal Charity has opposed various attempts by the city to eradicate pigeons.

Vice President George Bush, attending a $500 a plate dinner at the VIP Entertainment Complex in Niles holds out little hope of Youngstown sharing in billions of dollars spent by the federal government each year on contracts.

August 7, 1968: Niles wins another round in its legal fight to annex the Eastwood Mall from Howland Township to the city. The 7th District Court of Appeals rejects a request by Howland Township trustees for an injunction.

J. Ronald Pittman, executive secretary of the Mayor’s Human Relations Commission, says more must be done to break down the divisions between the black and white communities in Youngstown.

August 7, 1958: Two new playgrounds for about 1,000 children in the Kimmel Brook Homes are officially opened.

An 11-foot mammoth tusk, about 12,000 years old, is found on the Sam Whiting farm in Geauga County.

August 7, 1933: Frank Krantz, 19, of Damascus, is instantly killed when he was struck by an automobile which three Canton youths had stolen in Salem.

Youngstown Building Inspector Fred C. Medicus issues a second notice ordering the wrecking of 35 downtown buildings that have been judged to be nuisances.