The Decade in Review: 2002 -2003

As we continue down the path of remembrance, it is easy to see how this decade can be coined the “Decade From Hell.” A lot has happened in a short period of time. Today we will cover 2002 & 2003.



On January 8th, the “No Child Left Behind Act” is signed into law. Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl is kidnapped on January 23rd and murdered on February 1st. In February, the trial of Slobodan Milosevic begins for war crimes. “Operation Anaconda” begins as the U.S. invades Afghanistan. It ends in 18 days. 500 Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters are killed while the U.S. suffers 11 fatalities.

In July, Worldcom files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. On August 12th, US Airways files for bankruptcy. On October 9th, the stock market reaches a bottom as it hits 7,200. On November 25th, the “Homeland Security Act” is signed into law. President Jimmy Carter wins the Nobel Peace prize.

Notables Deaths: Dave Thomas (owner of Wendy’s), Waylon Jennings (musician), Chuck Jones (animator), James Tobin (economist), Milton Berle (comedian), Dudley Moore (actor), Sam Snead (golfer), John Gotti (gangster), Bill Blass (fashion designer), Jack Buck (baseball announcer), John Entwistle (musician), Rosemary Clooney (singer), Ted Williams (baseball player), Johnny Unitas (football player), Stephen Ambrose (historian), Jam-Master Jay (DJ, hip-hop icon).

2003

On January 24th, the Department of Homeland Security begins operation. The Space Shuttle Columbia explodes on February 1st, killing all 7 astronauts onboard. The world also learns about SARS in this month. On March 20th, Iraq is invaded. U.S. forces size control of Baghdad on April 9th. On May 1st is the infamous “Mission Accomplished” episode. Martha Stewart and her broker are indicted for insider trading on June 4th.

On July 14th, the “CIA Leak Scandal” begins as Valerie Plame’s name is published in the Washington Post. The sons of Saddam Hussein, Uday and Qusay, are killed on July 22nd. On October 7th, The Terminator is voted Governor of California and on the 10th, Rush Limbaugh admits to having a problem with prescription pain meds. In December, Saddam Hussein is captured by American troops.

Notable Deaths: Maurice Gibb (musician), Nell Carter (actress), Daniel Patrick Moynihan (politician), Robert Atkins (nutritionist), June Carter Cash (singer), David Brinkley (journalist), Gregory Peck (actor), Strom Thurmond (politician), Katharine Hepburn (actress), Buddy Hackett (comedian), Barry White (singer), Bob Hope (comedian), Gregory Hines (dancer), Charles Bronson (actor), Warren Zevon (musician), John Ritter (actor), Johnny Cash (singer), George Plimpton (writer), Elia Kazan (director), Bill Shoemaker (jockey), Art Carney (actor), Michael Kamen (composer), Warren Spahn (baseball player).

Two more years completed. Six more to go.

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