April 6th, 1917.  Over there, over there, / Send the word, send the word over there 

 

 

 

The United States enters WWI on the side of the Allies as Congress declares war on Germany. 

 

 

 

1909. Explorers Robert Peary and Matthew Henson lead the first successful expedition to reach the North Pole. 

 

 

 

1896. The first modern Olympic Games open in Athens, Greece, land of the ancient games, with athletes from 14 countries.

 

 

 

1874. Harry Houdini, the magician who gained world fame for his escape acts is born in Budapest in what’s now Hungary.

 

 

 

1937. Merle Haggard, the country music singer whose tunes include “Okie From Muskogee” is born in Bakersfield, California.

 

 

 

And 1998. Stand by Your Man

 

 

 

Tammy Wynette, known as the First Lady of Country Music from the 60s to the 80s, dies in Nashville at age 55.

 

 

 

Today in History, April 6th. Ross Simpson, the Associated Press.