Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint for whom Saint Patrick’s Day is named dies in the Irish village of Saul. Other authorities say Patrick’s death happened on this day that more three decades later in 493 A.D.

2003President George W. Bush gives an ultimatum to Iraq’s dictator Saddam Hussein and his two sons. “Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict, commenced at a time of our choosing.”

Days later, the American-led invasion of Iraq begins toppling Saddam’s brutal regime from power.

1905In New York, future president Franklin D. Roosevelt marries his distant cousin Eleanor. Her uncle President Theodore Roosevelt attends and gives his niece a way.

And 2005In Washington, baseball player Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa testify before Congress that they haven’t use steroid. But fellow player Mark McGwire won’t tell lawmakers whether he has and he won’t name names. “I did not sit in judgment of other players, whether it deals with their sexual preference, the marital problems or other personal habits, including whether or not they use chemical substances. Today in History, March 17th, Mike Gracia, the Associated Press.