World War I – 1917
On this day in 1917, the first 14,000 U.S. infantry troops land in France at the port of Saint Nazaire. The landing site had been kept secret because of the menace of German submarines, but by the time the Americans had lined up to take their first salute on French soil, an enthusiastic crowd had gathered to welcome them. However, the “Doughboys,” as the British referred to the green American troops, were untrained, ill-equipped, and far from ready for the difficulties of fighting along the Western Front.
1917
Thirty-three veterans of the Spanish-American war join together to form Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 76, the first in the State of Texas (right). Congratulations on your centennial!
1999
The Spurs win their first NBA Championship in five games over the New York Knicks.