August 21: What Happened on This Day in History
August 21st marks the 233rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 234th in case of leap years). There are 132 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on August 21st in history, famous birthdays on August 21st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to August 21.
What happened on August 21?
Here's what happened on August 21st in history:
- 2013: On August 21, 2013, a chemical weapons attack occurred in the suburbs of Damascus, Syria, resulting in significant casualties. The attack was attributed to the Syrian government, leading to international condemnation and calls for intervention. source: bbc.com
- 2008: On August 21, 2008, a bombing in Wah, Pakistan, resulted in numerous casualties. This attack was part of a series of violent incidents in the region, raising concerns about security and terrorism in Pakistan. source: reuters.com
- 2006: On August 21, 2006, the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, began deploying troops in southern Lebanon as part of the ceasefire agreement following the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict. The deployment aimed to monitor the cessation of hostilities and assist in the disarmament of Hezbollah, contributing to the stabilization of the region. source: globalsecurity.org
- 2000: On August 21, 2000, Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev addressed the media regarding the tragic sinking of the Kursk submarine. He provided updates on the rescue efforts and the situation surrounding the incident, which resulted in the loss of all 118 crew members. source: theguardian.com
- 1994: On August 21, 1994, Ernesto Zedillo of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) won Mexico's presidential election with 48.87% of the vote. His main opponents were Diego Fernández de Cevallos of the National Action Party (PAN) and Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD). Zedillo's victory marked the last time a PRI candidate won in all 31 states and Mexico City. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1990: On August 21, 1990, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed the Economic Community Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to Liberia to intervene in the civil war. ECOMOG, comprising troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, aimed to enforce a ceasefire and stabilize the situation. The mission faced immediate resistance from Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), leading ECOMOG to shift from peacekeeping to peace enforcement. By August 24, 1990, ECOMOG forces landed in Monrovia, the capital, to secure the city and protect civilians. source: hrw.org
- 1987: Guns N' Roses released their debut album, 'Appetite for Destruction', on August 21, 1987. The album featured hits like 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Sweet Child o' Mine', and it became one of the best-selling albums of all time, significantly impacting the rock music scene. Its raw sound and rebellious themes resonated with a generation, establishing the band as a major force in the music industry. source: rollingstone.com
- 1986: On August 21, 1986, a catastrophic limnic eruption at Lake Nyos in Cameroon released approximately 1.6 million tons of carbon dioxide gas, suffocating 1,746 people and thousands of livestock within a 25-kilometer radius. The gas cloud, heavier than air, descended into nearby valleys, displacing oxygen and causing rapid asphyxiation. The exact trigger for the eruption remains uncertain, with theories including a landslide, volcanic activity, or a minor earthquake. In response, a degassing system was installed at the lake to reduce CO₂ concentration and prevent future incidents. source: britannica.com
- 1983: Benigno Aquino Jr., a prominent Filipino politician and opposition leader, was assassinated on August 21, 1983, upon his return to the Philippines from exile. His death sparked widespread protests and is considered a pivotal moment in Philippine history, leading to the eventual overthrow of President Ferdinand Marcos. The assassination remains a significant event in the country's struggle for democracy. source: britannica.com
- 1965: On August 21, 1965, Romania officially proclaimed itself a socialist republic, marking a significant shift in its political landscape. This change was part of a broader trend in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, as countries aligned more closely with the Soviet Union. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on August 21?
On August 21st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Usain Bolt]()
Usain Bolt (1986)Usain Bolt is a Jamaican former sprinter, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. He is best known for holding the world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters, with times of 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds, respectively. Bolt is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and an eleven-time World Champion, whose influence on track and field extends … [bio]
![Kenny Rogers]()
Kenny Rogers (1938)Kenny Rogers was an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer, widely recognized for his contributions to country and pop music. His distinctive voice and storytelling style made him a cross-genre success, and he is best known for hits such as 'The Gambler', 'Lucille', and 'Islands in the Stream'. [bio]
![Robert Lewandowski]()
Robert Lewandowski (1988)Robert Lewandowski is a Polish professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in modern football. Known for his goalscoring prowess, technical skill, and consistency, Lewandowski has played for top clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and FC Barcelona. He has broken numerous records and is celebrated for his remarkable achievements, including scoring five goals in nine … [bio]
![Stephen Hillenburg]()
Stephen Hillenburg (1961)Stephen Hillenburg was an American animator, marine science educator, and television producer best known as the creator of the hugely popular animated series 'SpongeBob SquarePants.' His creative vision and background in marine biology made the show a cultural phenomenon enjoyed by audiences worldwide. [bio]
![Kim Cattrall]()
Kim Cattrall (1956)Kim Cattrall is a British-Canadian actress best known for her role as Samantha Jones on the HBO series 'Sex and the City.' Her performance earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, making her one of the most recognizable television actresses of the late 1990s and early 2000s. [bio]
![Joe Strummer]()
Joe Strummer (1952)Joe Strummer was an influential British musician, best known as the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist, and lead vocalist of the seminal punk rock band The Clash. [bio]
![Bo Burnham]()
Bo Burnham (1990)Bo Burnham is an American comedian, musician, filmmaker, actor, and poet, best known for his stand-up comedy, musical performances, and innovative Netflix specials that blend humor with social commentary. [bio]
![Carrie-Anne Moss]()
Carrie-Anne Moss (1967)Carrie-Anne Moss is a Canadian actress best known for her iconic role as Trinity in The Matrix film series. Her career spans film, television, and voice acting, and she has received critical acclaim for her performances in both action and dramatic roles. [bio]
![Hayden Panettiere]()
Hayden Panettiere (1989)Hayden Panettiere is an American actress, model, and singer best known for her roles on television series such as 'Heroes' and 'Nashville.' She started her career as a child actress and has also appeared in films and is a known advocate for animal rights and environmental causes. [bio]
![Peter Weir]()
Peter Weir (1944)Peter Weir is an acclaimed Australian film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his influential works in both Australian and international cinema, notably during the Australian New Wave movement. He has directed critically and commercially successful films such as 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', 'Gallipoli', 'Dead Poets Society', and 'The Truman Show.' [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on August 21?
On August 21st the following celebrities died:
![Leon Trotsky]()
Leon Trotsky (1940)Leon Trotsky was a Russian revolutionary, Marxist theorist, and Soviet politician. He played a leading role in the Russian Revolution of 1917, was a founder and commander of the Red Army, and later became a prominent critic of Stalinism before being assassinated in exile. [bio]
![Charles Eames]()
Charles Eames (1978)Charles Eames was an influential American designer, architect, and filmmaker, best known for his groundbreaking contributions to modern furniture design and his partnership with his wife, Ray Eames. Together, they created the iconic Eames Chair and developed innovative techniques in the use of molded plywood, fiberglass, and other industrial materials, leaving a lasting legacy on twentieth-century design. [bio]
![Ray Eames]()
Ray Eames (1988)Ray Eames was a pioneering American designer known for her influential contributions to mid-century modern design. Alongside her husband, Charles Eames, she co-created iconic works in furniture, architecture, and multimedia, integrating art and function in innovative ways. Their collaborative process led to industry-defining pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair and advancements in molded plywood and fiberglass furniture. Ray's background in … [bio]
![Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar]()
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (1995)Legendary Indian-American astrophysicist who made groundbreaking contributions to understanding stellar evolution and was awarded the Nobel...
![Robert Moog]()
Robert Moog (2005)Pioneering electronic engineer who revolutionized music by inventing the Moog synthesizer, fundamentally transforming electronic music...
![Raul Seixas]()
Raul Seixas (1989)Legendary Brazilian rock musician and composer known for pioneering Brazilian rock and counterculture music.
![Giuseppe Meazza]()
Giuseppe Meazza (1979)Giuseppe Meazza was a legendary Italian footballer who played as a forward and midfielder for Inter Milan and the Italian national team.
![Benigno Aquino Jr.]()
Benigno Aquino Jr. (1983)Filipino opposition leader who was assassinated in 1983, playing a crucial role in challenging Ferdinand Marcos's authoritarian regime and...
![Albert Reynolds]()
Albert Reynolds (2014)Albert Reynolds was a prominent Irish politician who served as Taoiseach and was instrumental in advancing the Northern Ireland peace...
What day of the year is August 21?
August 21st marks the 233rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 234th in case of leap years).
There are 132 days remaining until the end of the year.
August 21st is the 21st day of the month of August.
What day of the week is August 21?
On August 21st, 2026 the day of the week is Friday.
| August | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | |||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | ||||||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day August 21?
The zodiac sign associated with August 21st is Leo according to the Western Zodiac.
