Switzerland joined the United Nations.

The television series X-Files premiered on the FOX television channel. It run for 9 straight years and created a worldwide following of fans.

Pope John Paul II consecrated the church 'The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace', in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). It is the largest church in Africa and is modelled after the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. The cost of the basilica doubled the national debt of Cote d'Ivoire.

The last execution by guillotine took place in France.

A British Airways and an Inex-Adria passenger jet collided near Zagreb, Yugoslavia, resulting in the death of 176 people.

Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal. It is one of the smallest nations in Africa, situated on the western coast of the African continent.

At the Formula One grand prix in Monza, Italy, German driver Wolfgang Von Trips crashed his Ferrari into a barrier resulting in his death as well as that of 13 spectators that were hit by his Ferrari.

Canada declared war on Nazi Germany.

The first ever, paved, coast to coast highway opened in the United States.

English composer, Henry Purcell, was born in Westminster, London. He is considered as one of the great Baroque composers and probably Englands most celebrated composer of all time.