On Aug. 14, 1945, President Truman announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, ending World War II.

In 1973, the U.S. bombing of Cambodia came to a halt.

In 1981, Pope John Paul II left a Rome hospital, three months after being wounded in an attempt on his life.

In 1997, an unrepentant Timothy McVeigh was formally sentenced to death for the Oklahoma City bombing.

In 2003, a huge blackout hit the northeastern United States and part of Canada; 50 million people lost power.

BIRTHDAYS

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Russell Baker is 82.

Rock singer David Crosby is 66.

Comedian-actor Steve Martin is 62.

Singer-musician Larry Graham is 61.

Actor Antonio Fargas is 61.

Author Danielle Steel is 60.

"Far Side" cartoonist Gary Larson is 57.

Former basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson is 48.

Actress Halle Berry (inset) is 41.

Actress Mila Kunis is 24.