What Happened On This Day – August 21
1993 NASA loses communication with the Mars Observer almost a year after its launch
The robotic space probe was tasked with exploring and studying the Red Planet.
1991 Latvia gains full independence from the Soviet Union
Founded in 1918, the Republic of Latvia was fully incorporated as a Soviet republic after the Second World War. Independence for the Baltic state was achieved after a peaceful revolution known as the Singing Revolution, which began in Estonia.
1986 Limnic eruption in Lake Nyos in Cameroon kills about 1700 people
A high amount of carbon dioxide was released by the underwater volcanic eruption.
1911 The Mona Lisa is stolen
The famed Leonardo da Vinci painting was stolen by a Louvre employee. It was recovered 2 years later in Italy.
1879 Oldsmobile is founded by Ransom Eli Olds of Olds Motor Works
The popular brand of car was first manufactured in Lansing, Michigan. The company was purchased by GM in 1908 and closed its doors in 2004.
Births On This Day – August 21
1986 Usain Bolt
Jamaican sprinter
1984 Eve Torres
American wrestler, model, dancer
1952 Joe Strummer
English singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor
1936 Wilt Chamberlain
American basketball player
1765 William IV of the United Kingdom
Deaths On This Day – August 21
1993 Tatiana Troyanos
American soprano
1983 Benigno Aquino, Jr.
Filipino politician
1979 Giuseppe Meazza
Italian footballer
1940 Leon Trotsky
Russian theorist, politician, founded the Red Army
1762 Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
English author