It happened on a… December 8

2020

The UK begins vaccinating for COVID-19 using the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine

2010

With the second launch of the SpaceX Dragon, SpaceX becomes the first privately held company to successfully launch, orbit and recover a spacecraft..

2000

Mario Lemieux announced to the Pittsburgh Penguins that he planned to return to the National Hockey League (NHL) as a player at age 35. He would be the first modern owner-player in U.S. pro sports.

1991

Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine declared the Soviet national government to be dead. They forged a new alliance to be known as the Commonwealth of Independent States. The act was denounced by Russian President Gorbachev as unconstitutional.

1987

Flyers’ Ron Hextall becomes 1st goalie to actually score a goal.

Mafia mobster Frank Cotroni sentenced to 8 years in prison.

1980

John Lennon is murdered by Mark David Chapman in front of The Dakota in New York City.

1978

“The Deer Hunter”, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep, premieres in Los Angeles (Academy Awards Best Picture 1979)

1956

XVI Summer Olympic Games close in Melbourne, Australia; start of an Olympic tradition – amidst international tensions, athletes mingle together, parade.

1941

US and Britain declare war on Japan, US enters World War II.

1852

Université Laval receives a royal charter; founded by Bishop Laval in 1663 as the Seminary of Quebec; North America’s oldest French University.

1813

Ludwig van Beethoven’s 7th Symphony in A, premieres in Vienna with Beethoven conducting.