1944: The cost of living rises almost 30% in one year. For blacks, who already live at or below the poverty line, this inflation makes existence even more difficult.

1981: Inflation is so great that in an effort to help cut the budget, President Reagan orders that the school lunch program cut back on serving vegetables. In response, the Department of Agriculture declares that ketchup is a vegetable.

Today: The economy continues to grow, with unemployment low and the Dow Jones tops the 10,000 mark.

1944: Women become the backbone of the nations workforce, and the term "Rosie the Riveter " becomes the nickname for women who are now building the machines of war.

1981: Sandra Day O'Connor becomes the first woman jurist on the U.S. Supreme Court

Today: While women appear to be equal members of the nations work force, the "glass ceiling " in many companies means that some...