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Saturday, February 22, 2014

MIRACLE ON THE ICE

USA UPSETS USSR IN 1980 OLYMPIC HOCKEY 

Lake Placid, New York (JFK+50) 34 years ago today, February 22, 1980, the United States Olympic hockey team won a history making victory over the Russian squad by a score of 4 goals to 3 at the Winter Olympic Games held here in Lake Placid.

The heavily-favored Soviet team had been expected to win easily over the Americans.  The upset would forever be known as the "Miracle on the Ice."

Paraguay Postage Stamp
Commemorating the Olympic Games

At the end of the 1st period, the game was knotted at 2 goals each, but by the end of the 2nd, the Soviets stood with a 3 to 2 lead.

In the decisive 3rd and final period, the USA defense held the Russians scoreless while the USA offense knocked in 2 scores.

As the seconds ticked down to the end, Al Michaels, who was calling the game on a tape delayed telecast in the United States, said...

"Eleven seconds....ten seconds, Morrow up to Silk, five seconds left. Do you believe in miracles? YES!"

The arena was packed with 8500 spectators and the home crowd waved American flags and sang "God Bless America."

Later the USA defeated Finland to win the gold medal.  The U.S. coach was Herb Brooks who was the hockey coach at the University of Minnesota.

TEDDY BORN IN BROOKLINE 82 YEARS AGO TODAY

Brookline, Massachusetts (JFK+50) The younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy, was born here in Brookline 82 years ago today, February 22, 1932.

Teddy would be elected to fill the United States Senate seat vacated by his brother John F. Kennedy in 1962.


Edward M. Kennedy would go on to serve nearly 47 years in the Senate where he proposed more than 300 bills which were enacted into law.

When JFK was asked by a reporter if the new comedy record by Vaughn Meader mimicking the Presidents voice brought "annoyment or enjoyment" the President answered he thought the voice on the record "sounded more like Teddy than it did me.....so he's annoyed."

Ted Kennedy made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for President in 1980.  

In his concluding speech he said:

"For me....this campaign (has ended).  For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."

Edward M. Kennedy died at the age of 77 on August 25, 2009.


Senator Edward M.  Kennedy

WASHINGTON BORN 282 YEARS AGO TODAY

Westmoreland County, Virginia (JFK+50) The future commander of the Continental Army and 1st President of the United States, George Washington, was born 282 years ago today, February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

His first job was as a surveyor in the Shenandoah Valley at age 17. 

Washington served in the French and Indian War and then was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress.  

George Washington was the unanimous choice of the Continental Congress to be Commander-in-chief of the army of the American forces in the War for Independence.

In 1789, he was elected the first President of the United States by unanimous vote.  After serving two terms, he retired to Mount Vernon where he died on December 14, 1799.


George Washington