The 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict cease fire went into effect, ending the conflict that had began 32 days earlier with the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by the Hezbolah militant group.

A Cypriot, Helios Airways, passenger flight crashed north of Athens. All 121 people on board died in the crash.

A massive power blackout took place in the north eastern territories of the United States and Canada. It is the largest power blackout in the history of the North American continent.

Venezuelan terrorist, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, the notorious leftist terrorist known as 'Carlos the Jackal', was captured in Sudan. He was the most notorious terrorist of the cold war era.

An East German passenger plane crashed during takeoff from East Berlin resulting in the death of 156 people.

Pakistan gained independence from the British Indian Empire but remained under the administration of the United Kingdom as part of the British Commonwealth.

German film director, Wim Wenders, was born in Dusseldorf. He is a critically acclaimed director, most known for the 1984 film, Paris, Texas and the 1987 film, Wings of Desire.

The United States Social Security Act was passed into law. It effectively created a government supported pension system for the retired.

French comic book author, Rene Goscinny, was born in Paris. He is best known for having been the co-author of the worldwide popular comic books, Asterix and Lucky Luke.

United States marines invaded Nicaragua.

Motor vehicle registration was implemented for the first time in France.

Construction of the Cologne Cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks in Germany was completed