Historical Events
- Soyuz TM-24, launched into orbit
Famous Birthdays
- Ella Cruz, Filipina actress (Aryana), born in Angat, Philippines
Famous Weddings
Wedding of Interest
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (72) weds Grace Marufu (31) at Kutama College in Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe
Famous Deaths
- Edward Digby Baltzell, American Ivy League sociologist, dies at 80
- Eric Evans, English dean of St Paul's, dies at 68
1996 Highlights
About August 17, 1996
Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 24 years, 5 months and 6 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Leo