Sunday, December 25, 2011

TODAY IN HISTORY

DECEMBER 25, 1991

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev announces his resignation as the leader of the Soviet Union, days after 11 former Soviet republics joined the newly created Commonwealth of Independent States. The Soviet Union formally dissolves the following day, effectively ending the Cold War between the communist superpower and its rival, the United States.

1914: Five months into World War I, soldiers along the Western Front participate in a spontaneous cease-fire known as the "Christmas truce." British and German (and some French and Belgian) troops leave their opposing trenches to exchange gifts and Christmas greetings, and even play soccer in the barren no-man's land between their respective positions. The truce is not sanctioned by the leadership of either army, and fighting resumes on the following day, not to halt for good until November 1918.

2002: Katie Hnida of the University of New Mexico becomes the first woman to play in a Divison I-A football game when she attempts to kick an extra point for the Lobos during the Las Vegas Bowl against UCLA. The kick is blocked.
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