Video: 'Indonesia Declares Independence, translated- 17th August, 1945'
(Friday, August 17, 1945, 10:00 a.m.; during World War II) — Indonesian nationalists declared their independence from the Netherlands today, marking the start of the diplomatic and armed resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians.
(Saturday, August 16, 1975) — “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” by Elton John peaked at #4 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week.
(Saturday, August 16, 1975) — “That’s When the Music Takes Me” by Neil Sedaka peaked at #27 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks.
Video: 'The Genesis Archive Documentary 1 (VH1 Classic - In Full)'
(Saturday, August 16, 1975) — Genesis lead singer Peter Gabriel announced to the British press today that he was leaving the band. He had actually made the decision months earlier, but decided to wait until the band had completed its tour obligations.
Video: 'Churchill and The Cabinet War Rooms - Sir Winston Churchill's secrets unveiled' (Aug. 16, 1945, at 43:36)
(Thursday, August 16, 1945; during World War II) — The Cabinet War Rooms, which provided the secret underground headquarters for the core of the British government throughout World War II, were locked today following the surrender of Japanese forces and left undisturbed until Parliament ensured its preservation as a historic site in 1948.
Video: 'Will Rogers & Wiley Post Killed - 1935 Newsreel'
(Thursday, August 15, 1935, 8:18 p.m. AKST; during the Great Depression) — Will Rogers, beloved humorist, and Wiley Post, master aviator, were crushed to death tonight when a shiny, new airplane motor faltered and became an engine of tragedy near Point Barrow in the Alaska Territory. Continue reading Will Rogers, Wiley Post killed when their airplane crashed 80 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1935)
