Today is Tuesday, Sept. 2, the 246th day of 2008. There are 120 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 2, the 246th day of 2008. 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 1789, the United States Treasury Department is established. In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s forces occupy 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 1935, a hurricane slams into the Florida Keys, claiming more than 400 lives. In 1945, Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam an independent republic.(He dies on the same date in 1969.) In 1958, President Eisenhower signs the National Defense Education Act, which provides aid to public and private education to promote learning in such fields as math and science.

September 2, 1983: Atty. Staughton Lynd files suit on behalf of 131 members of United Steelworkers Local 2163 against Jones Laughlin Steel Co. and LTV Corp. alleging that the company had promised to kept the Campbell coke plant open.

In a case closely watched by the computer industry, a federal appeals court in Philadelphia rules in a suit brought by Apple Computers Inc. that the program in a computer’s operating system can be copyrighted.

September 2, 1968: More than 700 people attend the first ecumenical service at the Canfield Fair. Msgr. J. Paul O’Connor, chancellor of the Diocese of Youngstown, preaches that concern for others must be reflected in the policies and programs of business, labor and government and should motivate every working person.

Twelve Mahoning County high school bands delight a packed grandstand with a free two-hour concert at the Canfield Fair.

September 2, 1958: Bob Rosko, a Cardinal Mooney junior, and Sandra Lee Doughton capture the 13-15 titles in the sixth annual Pee Wee Championships at the Henry Stambaugh Golf Course. Other winners in their age divisions were Jim Taylor, Dave Sinkovich, Jan Seidler, Shirley Walley and Charlene Fick

Grace Williams, executive secretary of the Canfield Fair, says the worst fair-week weather in memory cut into attendance, which was 132,218, down by 23,543 from 1957.

A 65-year-old Sharpsville fireman, Charles H. Rafferty, dies of a heart attack while driving the volunteer fire department’s truck to a fire that caused $14,000 damage to a ranch home.

September 2, 1933:Assistant City Law Director Vern Thomas tells Youngstown Mayor Mark E. Moore that he cannot force eight city patrolmen over the age of 60 to retire unless the officers seek retirement.

The Youngstown American Legion Post 15’s crack drum and bugle corps hosts other leading drum and bugle units from Ohio and Pennsylvania at the Canfield Fairgrounds.