On this day…

Today is Tuesday, March 3, the 62nd day of 2009. There are 303 days left in the year.

Moments in history —on this date:

In 1791 - The U.S. Mint was established. (Numismatists unite!)

In 1845, Florida became the 27th state.

In 1849, the U.S. Department of the Interior was established.

In 1885, AT&T, one of the first telephone companies, is incorporated.

On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a measure making "The Star-Spangled Banner" the national anthem of the United States.

In 1959, the United States launched the Pioneer 4 spacecraft, which flew by the moon. Comedian Lou Costello died of a heart attack in East Los Angeles, California, three days before his 53rd birthday. His reported last words: "That was the best ice cream soda I ever tasted."

In 1969, Apollo 9 blasted off from Cape Kennedy on a mission to test the lunar module.

In 1975 (34 years), ld became gainfully employed with the electric industry.