Happy Birthday Count Basie!
William James “Count” Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. One of America’s most notable Big Band leaders, he earned nine Grammy awards and made a permanent mark on American music.
World War II
Atlantic Charter
On August 14, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter, which defined their postwar goals for the world. The Atlantic Charter is credited as the inspiration for several international agreements that followed.
Work Begins on the Berlin Wall
When the Nazis were defeated in World War II, Germany was divided into two countries. Shortly after midnight on August 13, 1961, East German soldiers laid barbed wire and bricks, creating the Berlin Wall.
Birth of Ralph Bunche
Ralph Johnson Bunche was born on August 7, 1904, in Detroit, Michigan.
Death of Robert A. Taft
Senator Robert A. Taft, son of America’s 27th president, died on July 31, 1953, in New York City. He was considered one of the five greatest US Senators.
Executive Order 9981
On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, calling for the end of racial discrimination in the US armed forces.
Battle of Guam
On July 21, 1944, US troops landed on Guam, initiating a three-week battle to recapture the island. Today, the people of Guam celebrate July 21 as Liberation Day.
US Troops Clear Saipan
On July 9, 1944, American troops claimed victory after a three-week battle on Saipan. Having broken through the Japanese defenses, this enabled the US to launch strategic bombing campaigns.
The World University Games
On July 8, 1993, the first Summer World University Games to be hosted in the US opened in Buffalo, NY. The World University Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics.