August 31 belongs to Iris Font
Historical events & facts — August 31
What happened on August 31?
On August 31, 1980, the Polish government and the Solidarity trade union signed the Gdańsk Agreements, recognising for the first time in a Soviet bloc country the right to form independent trade unions. Led by electrician Lech Wałęsa, Solidarity became the social movement that began the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
On August 31, 1957, Malaya proclaimed its independence from the British Empire in a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. In 1963 it expanded to form Malaysia, incorporating Singapore (which separated in 1965), Sabah and Sarawak. The date is still celebrated as Malaysia's National Day.
In the early hours of August 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales died aged 36 following a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris. Her death triggered an unprecedented wave of global mourning. Thousands of people laid flowers outside Kensington Palace and millions watched her funeral on television around the world.
Notable birthdays — August 31
Famous people born on August 31
Stephen Geary
Stephen Geary was a British architect, inventor, entrepreneur, and, from 1850, Temperance activist.
Altiero Spinelli
Altiero Spinelli was an Italian politician, political theorist and European federalist, referred to as one of the founding fathers of the European Union. A communist and militant anti-fascist in his youth, Spinelli spent 10 years imprisoned by the Italian fascist regime. Having grown disillusioned with Stalinism, he broke with the Communist Party of Italy in 1937.
Jaime Sin
Jaime Lachica Sin was a Filipino Catholic prelate who served as the 30th archbishop of Manila from 1974 until his retirement in 2003. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1976.
Roger Newman
Roger Newman was a British born-American soap opera actor and writer. He was born in London, and died in New York City.
Yumiko Ōshima
Yumiko Ōshima is a Japanese manga artist and is associated with the Year 24 group that heavily influenced the development of shōjo manga in the 1970s.
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Own a unique day
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Your day, your showcase
A worldwide public page that represents you. The more special you make it, the greater the impact.
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Guaranteed return
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