2013 Event Brazilian Roberto Azevedo is named the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization; he assumes the position September 1, 2013 2012 Event Vice-President of Argentina Amado Boudou assumes temporary power as President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has surgery for thyroid cancer 2011 Event The 112th United States Congress convened; Republican Representative John Boehner of Ohio assumes his new position as Speaker of the House 2009 Event Czech Republic assumes EU presidency 1991 Event CFL assumes ownership of Ottawa Rough Riders 1979 Event Panama assumes sovereignty over Canal Area (ie Canal Zone) 1975 Event Juan Carlos assumes power in Spain 1962 Event Samuel Gravely assumes command of destroyer escort "USS Falgout" 1862 Event Major General Earl Van Dorn assumes command of Confederate troops in Missisippi 1862 Event General Lee assumes command after Joe Johnston is injured at 7 Pines 1861 Event Grant assumes command of Federal forces at Cape Girardeau MI 1508 Event Maximilian I assumes imperial title without being crowned
