On Sept. 9, 1776, the second Continental Congress made the term “United States” official, replacing “United Colonies.”

Ten years ago

After two frustrating weeks of delays, space shuttle Atlantis and its six astronauts blasted off on a 12-day mission to install a big new piece of the international space station. The Chinese movie “Still Life” won the top award at the Venice Film Festival. Third-seeded Maria Sharapova beat Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-4, 6-4 to win the U.S. Open. The Detroit Shock won their second WNBA championship in four years, beating the defending champion Sacramento Monarchs 80-75 in Game 5.

Five years ago

New Yorkers and Washingtonians shrugged off talk of a new terror threat as intelligence officials scrambled to nail down information on a possible al-Qaida strike timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of 9/11. President Barack Obama, speaking in Richmond, Virginia, urged Americans to pressure their lawmakers to pass his $447 billion jobs plan.

One year ago

Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history, serving as sovereign for 23,226 days (about 63 years and 7 months), according to Buckingham Palace, surpassing Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother. New York became the first U.S. city to require salt warnings on chain-restaurant menus.

— By The Associated Press