13 million expected to put cigarettes aside today

November 20, 1980

At least 13 million Americans are trying to go without cigarettes today (Nov. 20) as part of a national "smokeout." Rallies and marches are due to be held across the country, including a funeral for "Old Man Tobacco" in Cincinnati and the laying of a four-mile strip of cigarettes in Lansing, Mich. Three communities -- including Luckenbach, Texas (pop.: 3) -- will try to persuade every smoker in town to join in. Organizers said nearly 3 in every 10 American smokers took part in the smokeout, held annually since 1977, last year.