Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saints for whom St. Patrick's Day is named dies in the Irish village of Saul. Other authorities say Patrick's death happened on this day but more than 3 decades later in 493 A.D.

2003President George W. Bush gives an ultimatum to Iraq's dictator Saddam Hussein and his two sons.

"Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict commenced at a time of our choosing." Days later, the American-led invasion of Iraq begins, toppling Saddam's brutal regime from power.

1905In New York, future President Franklin D. Roosevelt marries his distant cousin Eleanor. Her uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt attends and gives his niece away.

And 2005In Washington, baseball players Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa testify before a congress that they haven't used steroids but fellow player Mark McGwire won't tell lawmakers whether he has and he won't name names.

"I do not sit in judgment of other players whether it deals with their sexual preference, their marital problems or other personal habits, including whether or not they use chemical substance."Today in History, March 17th, Mike Gracia, the Associated Press.