Today In History: Obama Signs Serve America Act; Pearl Harbor Retaliation Proves Deadly

April 21, 2017, is the 109th day of the year, with 254 days remaining. The moon is in a waning crescent phase, and illumination is at 30 percent.

President Obama signs the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

A week ahead of the 100th day of his administration, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, reauthorizing and expanding national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. He was joined by Sen. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, the Congressional leaders who supported the legislation and a number of other individuals dedicated to the passage of the bill at the SEED School, where service is a core part of the curriculum. The president then announced a call to service.

“A week from tomorrow marks the 100th day of my administration,” he began. “In those eight days, I ask every American to make an enduring commitment to serving your community and your country in whatever way you can.”

He also addressed those who were not yet engaged.

“All that’s required on your part is willingness to make a difference,” he said. “That is, after all, the beauty of service. Anyone can do it.

“You don’t need to be a community organizer or a senator or a Kennedy or even a president to bring change to people’s lives.”

President Roosevelt announces execution of Doolittle pilots

The year was 1943. At the height of conflict between the United States and the Empire of Japan, President Roosevelt announced that several Doolittle pilots had been executed by Japanese forces.

Such pilots were named because of their participation in the Doolittle Raids, which collectively were a bold and long-range retaliatory air raid on the Japanese main island, occurring just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The raids were planned and led by Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Doolittle initially believed that the loss of his aircraft would lead to court-martial, but instead, he received the Medal of Honor and was promoted to brigadier general.

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Photo credit: Lawrence Jackson