Sunday, September 20, 1693

The United States military ended its "don't ask, don't tell" policy, consequently allowing gay and lesbian people to serve openly.

An explosive-laden truck detonated in front of the Marriott hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing 54 people and injuring 266 others.

The Real Irish Republican Army carried out a rocket-launcher attack on the MI6 headquarters in London, with no casualties and minimal damage recorded.

Hurricane Erika, the strongest and longest-lasting hurricane of the 1997 Atlantic hurricane season, dissipated after causing flooding and power outages throughout Puerto Rico.

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher gave a landmark speech at the Belfry of Bruges, Belgium, against federalism in the European Economic Community.

The Cosby Show, which became one of three U.S. television shows to have the highest ratings five years in a row, premiered with its pilot episode.

A series of celestial phenomena of disputed nature was observed in the western Soviet Union, Finland and Denmark.

Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, in an internationally televised tennis match dubbed the "Battle of the Sexes".

Hurricane Irene (satellite image pictured) moved into the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic, making it the first actively tracked tropical cyclone to do so.

Sweden, Norway, and Denmark submit the Greek case alleging human rights violations by the Greek junta.

L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, announced the story of Xenu in a taped lecture sent to all Scientologists.

Second World War: Allied forces captured San Marino from the German Army.