August 8, 1981 (Saturday)
- The National Aquarium in Baltimore opened after three years of construction and development, becoming one of Maryland's most popular attractions, and spurring the development of other city aquariums.
- General Ne Win, President of Burma since a military coup in 1962, told his followers at the Fourth Burma Socialist Programme Party Congress that he would retire from the presidency effective November 9, but would continue as head of the BSPP.
- Born: Roger Federer, professional tennis champion (Wimbledon 2003-09, U.S. Open 2004-09, French Open 2008-09, 5 Australian opens); in Bottmingen, Switzerland. On the same day, Andrea Jaeger won her first major pro title, beating Virginia Ruzici at the U.S. Clay Courts championship final in Indianapolis.
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Famous quotes containing the word august:
“That night ended the day when history was written in Abilene. August 14, 1865 was the date. That was the end of the first drive on the Chisolm Trail. It was just the first of thousands of such drives bringing beef to the world.”
—Borden Chase [Frank Fowler] (1900–1971)