August 31: What Happened on This Day in History
August 31st marks the 243rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 244th in case of leap years). There are 122 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on August 31st in history, famous birthdays on August 31st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to August 31.
What happened on August 31?
Here's what happened on August 31st in history:
- 2021: On August 31, 2021, the United States completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan, marking the end of a 20-year military engagement that began in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The final U.S. military aircraft departed from Kabul, symbolically concluding the longest war in American history. This withdrawal followed a complex and chaotic evacuation process, with the last American troops and diplomats leaving the country as the Taliban rapidly regained control of the nation.
- 2008: On August 31, 2008, Hurricane Gustav's impact on the Gulf Coast became evident as reports of flooding and damage emerged. The storm prompted emergency declarations and responses from local and federal agencies. source: nhc.noaa.gov
- 2006: On August 31, 2006, Iranian officials publicly reaffirmed the country's commitment to developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The statement came amid international concerns over Iran's nuclear program and its potential to produce nuclear weapons. Iran emphasized its right to pursue nuclear technology under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2000: Madonna's single 'Music' topped the UK music charts on August 31, 2000. The song was part of her eighth studio album, also titled 'Music', and received critical acclaim for its innovative production and catchy melody. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1994: On August 31, 1994, the last Russian military forces withdrew from Estonia, ending over 50 years of foreign occupation. This event marked the completion of Estonia's restoration of independence and sovereignty. source: upi.com
- 1990: On August 31, 1990, representatives from East and West Germany signed the "Treaty Between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic on the Establishment of German Unity," commonly known as the Unification Treaty. This treaty outlined the legal, financial, and technical aspects of reunification, effective from October 3, 1990. It stipulated that East Germany would join the Federal Republic as five new states, and Berlin would become the capital of the unified Germany. The treaty also addressed various issues, including the adoption of the West German constitution by East Germany and the rehabilitation of victims of the former East German regime. source: upi.com
- 1987: Michael Jackson's album 'Bad' was released on August 31, 1987. This album marked a significant moment in pop music, featuring hits like 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Bad.' It solidified Jackson's status as a leading figure in the music industry during the late 1980s. source: rollingstone.com
- 1985: On August 31, 1985, Richard Ramirez, known as the 'Night Stalker', was apprehended in East Los Angeles after being recognized from media coverage. Residents detained him until police arrived, preventing a potential lynching. Ramirez was later identified through fingerprints found on a stolen car, linking him to a series of murders and assaults across California. source: history.com
- 1977: Ian Harte, an Irish former professional footballer and football manager, was born on August 31, 1977. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1975: On August 31, 1975, K.C. and the Sunshine Band achieved significant success by reaching the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with their hit single 'Get Down Tonight.' This marked a pivotal moment in the disco era, showcasing the band's influence on popular music during the 1970s. source: billboard.com
What famous birthdays are on August 31?
On August 31st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Marcia Clark]()
Marcia Clark (1953)Marcia Clark is an American prosecutor, author, and television correspondent best known as the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995. [bio]
![Richard Gere]()
Richard Gere (1949)Richard Gere is an acclaimed American actor and humanitarian known for his roles in romantic dramas and comedies such as 'Pretty Woman,' 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' and 'Chicago.' Over his multi-decade career, he has received multiple awards and is recognized for both his on-screen performances and his activism, particularly in advocating for human rights in Tibet. [bio]
![Larry Fitzgerald]()
Larry Fitzgerald (1983)Larry Fitzgerald is a former American football wide receiver, recognized as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. He played for the Arizona Cardinals throughout his entire 17-season NFL career, holding franchise and league records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Fitzgerald was known for his remarkable hands, route-running ability, and durability on the field. [bio]
![Dee Bradley Baker]()
Dee Bradley Baker (1962)Dee Bradley Baker is an acclaimed American voice actor recognized for his extensive work in animated television series, films, and video games. He is particularly renowned for his ability to create a wide range of creature and animal voices, as well as voicing numerous popular characters in major franchises. [bio]
![Arthur Godfrey]()
Arthur Godfrey (1903)Arthur Godfrey was a prominent American radio and television broadcaster and entertainer, best known for his informal, conversational style and for hosting popular variety shows in the mid-20th century. [bio]
![Chris Tucker]()
Chris Tucker (1971)Chris Tucker is an American actor and comedian best known for his roles in the 'Rush Hour' film series alongside Jackie Chan, as well as for his stand-up comedy career. He gained early prominence with his performance in 'Friday' (1995) and has since become widely recognized for his energetic comedic style. [bio]
![James Coburn]()
James Coburn (1928)James Coburn was an American film and television actor known for his distinctive deep voice, rugged looks, and on-screen charisma. He gained fame during the 1960s and 1970s, often appearing in action, western, and spy films, and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Affliction' (1997). [bio]
![Jean Beliveau]()
Jean Beliveau (1931)Jean Béliveau was a Canadian professional ice hockey player regarded as one of the greatest centers in NHL history. He spent his entire 20-season career with the Montreal Canadiens, winning 10 Stanley Cups as a player and seven more as an executive. Béliveau was known for his skill, leadership, sportsmanship, and contributions to the game, both on and off the … [bio]
![Itzhak Perlman]()
Itzhak Perlman (1945)Itzhak Perlman is an Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and music teacher, widely regarded as one of the greatest classical violinists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. [bio]
![Marc Webb]()
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 31?
On August 31st the following celebrities died:
![Diana Princess of Wales]()
Diana Princess of Wales (1997)Diana, Princess of Wales (born Diana Frances Spencer), was a member of the British royal family, most famous as the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III). Revered globally for her philanthropy, humanitarian work, and influential public presence, she was often noted for her compassion, style, and efforts to raise awareness about AIDS, landmines, and homelessness. … [bio]
![Michael Constantine]()
Michael Constantine (2021)Michael Constantine was an American actor best known for his role as Kostas "Gus" Portokalos in the film 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' and its sequel. He had a prolific career in film, television, and stage, spanning over six decades. [bio]
![Sally Rand]()
Sally Rand (1979)Sally Rand was an American burlesque dancer and actress, best known for popularizing the fan dance and bubble dance in the 1930s. She became a symbol of the era's risqué stage entertainment and was a celebrated figure in vaudeville and nightclubs. [bio]
![Max Bygraves]()
Max Bygraves (2012)Max Bygraves was an English singer, comedian, actor, and variety performer, renowned for his long career in show business, especially in postwar Britain. He became a household name through his work on stage, television, and radio. [bio]
![David Farrar]()
David Farrar (1995)David Farrar was a British actor known for his roles in films during the 1940s and 1950s, especially acclaimed for his collaborations with director Michael Powell in movies such as 'Black Narcissus' and 'The Small Back Room.' [bio]
![Henry Moore]()
Henry Moore (1986)Henry Moore was a world-renowned British artist and sculptor, best known for his monumental bronze and stone sculptures often inspired by the human form. He became one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, with a body of work that achieved international recognition, particularly after World War II. [bio]
![Charles Delaney]()
![John Bunyan]()
![Tom Seaver]()
Tom Seaver (2020)Legendary Major League Baseball pitcher known as 'Tom Terrific', who played primarily for the New York Mets.
What day of the year is August 31?
August 31st marks the 243rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 244th in case of leap years).
There are 122 days remaining until the end of the year.
August 31st is the 31st day of the month of August.
What day of the week is August 31?
On August 31st, 2026 the day of the week is Monday.
| 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 31?
The zodiac sign associated with August 31st is Virgo according to the Western Zodiac.
