2009 - China pledges to rescue the crew aboard the Chinese ship De Xin Hai after it is hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.
2009 - The United States observes the National Day on Writing, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English
1987 - Subway vigilante Bernhard Goetz sentenced
1979 - The John F Kennedy library is opened in Boston, Massachusetts.
1973 - The Sydney Opera House opens
This Day In Business
1973 - OAPEC oil embargo begins, leading to the U.S. automotive market switching to smaller, more fuel efficient cars.
1955 - J.R.R. Tolkien publishes "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"
1818 - Oregon country is to be jointly controlled by U.S. & Britain.
1990 - The Reds pull off a big upset when they sweep the A's to win a World Series Title.
October 20th Holiday
World Osteoporosis Day - Raises awareness about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.
Today's Birthday Trivia
He won a BET Hip Hop Award for Rookie of the Year in 2013. Who is he?
Today's Birthday Horoscope
Learn about people born on this day by reading the October 20 Birthday Horoscope.
Famous Birthdays iPhone App
Are you an iPhone user? Get the fun and free Famous Birthdays iPhone app.
