Challenger

Several important events occured throughout this year: the Scott Peterson trial, the war in Iraq, the Presidential election, and many more. These and numerous other matters all linger in today’s society, many of which America will never forget.

Scott Peterson’s wife, Laci Peterson, was eight months pregnant and she disappeared on Christmas eve. The woman and her unborn child were found four months later following a nationwide search, and her husband Scott was charged with two accounts of murder.
The six women and six men who convicted the thirty-two-year-old Scott Peterson of first-degree murder in the slaughter of his wife, Laci, and the second degree murder of his son they planned to name Connor.

The jury will now decide whether or not he should be sentenced to life without parole or be sent to death role.

On the otherhand,Iraq has been international front-page news for a long time, telling the nation of the soldiers wounded and the injuries of people in Baghdad, Iraq.

On December 2nd, two U.S. soldiers and two Iraqi National guardsmen were injured in a car bomb attack near the nothern Iraqi town of Beiji. That same day, 623 American troops were wounded, said Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, up from an injury count of 425 issues more than two weeks ago.

Amputations account for 2.4 percent of all the wounded in action in the Iraq war - “Twice the rate in World War I and World War II,” said Chuck Scoville, the amputee program manager of Walter Reed.

For weeks, WAVY News 10 had reported on the story of soldier Jonathan Bartlett, a 19-year-old Norfolk native, who lost his legs in battle. Now, Hampton Roads has come together to make sure his family’s home will be ready for his return.

During the election on November 2nd, 2004, 120 million Americans voted, 15 million more than in 2000. Bush beat senator John Kerry by about 51% to 48.5%. President Bush became the first President since 1988 to win a majority of the popular vote. The Republican Party also gained seats in both houses of Congress, and knocked off not just the Democratic nominee but the Democrat’s Senate leader as well.

Bush was asked at the polling station about the polarized feelings he inspires. Bush replied, “I take that as a compliment. It means I’m willing to take a stand.” Bush also declared victory. “America has spoken, and I am humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens. With that trust comes a duty to serve all Americans, and I will do my best to fulfill that duty every day as your President.”

The importance of these events will shape the world next year in 2005.