September 3, 1943 The British Eighth Army invades Italy, landing at Calabria, during World War II. Italy signs a secret armistice with the Allies, but it is not announced until September 8.

September 4, 1882 Thomas Alva Edison displays the first practical electric lighting system. He successfully turns on the lights in a 1-square-mile area of New York City with the world’s first electricity generating plant.

September 5, 1972 Terror strike