2004 – Hamid Karzai takes office
The Afghan politician took office as the President of the Islamic Republic in Afghanistan's first direct democratic elections in history.
1982 – December Murders in Suriname
Fifteen prominent Surinamese men were kidnapped and subsequently murdered over 3 days by the military government. The men were known to have criticized the military dictatorship.
1941 – Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack was the impetus for the U.S.'s entry into World War II.
1787 – First state to ratify the U.S. Constitution
Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. Because of this, it is sometimes called the First State.
1732 – Royal Opera House opens its doors
The popular performing arts venue in Covent Garden, London houses the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.
1984 – Robert Kubica
Polish race car driver
1980 – John Terry
English footballer
1956 – Larry Bird
American basketball player
1949 – Tom Waits
American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor
1928 – Noam Chomsky
American linguist, philosopher
1993 – Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Ivorian politician, 1st President of Côte d'Ivoire
1985 – Robert Graves
English author
1917 – Ludwig Minkus
Austrian violinist, composer
1817 – William Bligh
English Admiral, statesmen, 4th Governor of New South Wales
983 – Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor
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