VOICE-OVER SCRIPT:

November 17th, 1973:

An embattled President Richard Nixon defends himself during the Watergate scandal. He tells the Associated Press managing editors' meeting in Orlando, Florida, SOT

But Nixon resigns the following year, when the Watergate scandal forces him from office.

1558:

NATS, Elizabeth the First begins a four-and-a-half decade reign as Queen of England, ascending the throne after her half-sister Queen Mary dies. Under what's known as the Elizabethan Age, England flourishes on the world stage, from military might to exploration and trade to the works of William Shakespeare.

1869: In Egypt, the Suez Canal opens --- a vital waterway connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

1800: The U.S. Congress holds its first session in Washington, D.C. --- in the partially-completed Capitol building.

1917: Sculptor Auguste Rodin --- whose best-known works include "The Thinker" and "The Kiss" --- dies in France. He was 67 years old.

And, 1942: NATS, Movie director Martin Scorsese is born in New York City. Among his films: Taxi Driver , Raging Bull , GoodFellas , Gangs of New York , and The Departed.

Today in History, November 17th --- ___ ___, The Associated Press.