It happened on a… September 12

2005

Mark Messier announces that he will retire from the NHL

1992

Mae Jemison is the 1st African American woman to go into space (aboard Endeavour STS-47)

1981

“The Smurfs” animated cartoon series by Hanna-Barbera first broadcasts in North America.

1977

South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko died at the age of 30. The student leader died while in police custody which triggered an international outcry.

1975

Pink Floyd releases their ninth album “Wish You Were Here”.

1970

Supersonic airliner Concorde lands for the 1st time at Heathrow airport.

1957

Canada and US form North American Air Defence Command – NORAD – to coordinate air defence of the Continent.

1954

“Lassie” made its television debut on CBS. The last show aired on September 12, 1971.

1953

U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier.

1944

Second Quebec Conference: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and the Combined Chiefs of Staff meet in Quebec City, Canada.

1940

The Lascaux paintings were discovered in France. The cave paintings were 17,000 years old and were some of the best examples of art from the Paleolithic period.