XXXI Summer Olympic Games officially open in Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

NASA announced that its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter had captured photographic evidence of possible liquid water on Mars during warm seasons.

4 officers of the Los Angeles Police Department, acquttied on charges of beating Rodney King, are indicted on civil rights charges.

US President Regan fires 11,500 striking air traffic controllers.

Montreal Expos Dick Williams wins his 1,000th career game as a manager in 11-5 win v Mets.

The Beatles release their “Revolver” album in the UK.

US begins bombing North Vietnam.

Apartheid in South Africa: Nelson Mandela is jailed. He would not be released until 1990.

“From Here to Eternity” directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift and Frank Sinatra is released (Academy Awards Best Picture 1954).

Harry Houdini performs his greatest feat, spending 91 minutes underwater in a sealed tank before escaping.

Canada joins the rest of the British Empire in the war on Germany; the day after the German invasion of Belgium.

World’s 1st traveler’s cheques issued (American Express).

1,500 Iroquois attack and burn the village of Lachine; massacre 24 inhabitants and kidnap 90; 42 of 90 never seen again.