We take a look at some of the events that occurred on May 8th.

Today In …

1846 - The Battle of Palo Alto began.

1861 - Richmond, Virginia became the capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.

1886 - Coca Cola was invented today by Dr. John Styth.

1945 - Today was V.E. day in World War II when German forces officially surrendered.

1999 - Nancy Mace became the first female to graduate from the Citadel.

Sharing A Birthday Today…

Peter Benchley the author of “Jaws” was born in 1940.

Arthur Bryan who is best known as the voice of Elmer Fudd was born in 1899.

Bill Cowher the former coach of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers was born in 1957.

Jean Henri Dunant one of the co-founders of the Red Cross was born in 1828.

Melissa Gilbert from TV’s “Little House on the Prairie” was born in 1964.

Gary Glitter the English entertainer behind “Rock and Roll (Part II)” was born in 1944.

Enrique Iglesias the singer of “Hero” was born in 1975.

David Keith who starred in “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Firestarter” was born in 1954.

Bobby Labonte the NASCAR driver was born in 1964.

Sonny Liston the boxing champion was born in 1932.

Ricky Nelson the singer/actor who starred on TV’s “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” and had a hit song with “Hello Mary Lou” was born in 1940.

Don Rickles the actor/comedian who starred in “Kelly’s Heroes” and was the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” movies was born in 1926.

Roberto Rossellini the acclaimed Italian director was born in 1906. He was, at one time, married to Ingrid Bergman.

Toni Tennille part of the singing duo Captain & Tennille who had a hit song with “Love Will Keep Us Together” was born in 1943.

Harry S. Truman the 33rd President of the United States was born in 1884.

Alex Van Halen the drummer of the rock band Van Halen was born in 1953.

We Said Goodbye To…

George Peppard who starred in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and in the TV series “The A-Team” passed away in 1994 at the age of 65.

Dana Plato who starred on TV’s “Diff’rent Strokes” passed away in 1999 at the age of 34.

Top Of The Charts On This Day In…

1961 - On The Country Charts – “Hello Walls” by Faron Young
1976 - “Welcome Back” by John Sebastian
1982 - “The Theme from Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis
1982 - On The Country Charts – “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson
1999 - “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin

Musical Moments In…

1970 - “Let It Be” by the Beatles was released.

Memorable Sports Moments In…

1984 - The Soviet Union officially announced its intentions to boycott the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

Movie Moments In...

1914 - Paramount Pictures was formed today.

1963 - The Bond film “Dr. No” starring Sean Connery premiered.

Famous Marriages

1997 - David Duchovny and Tea Leoni were married.

Don’t forget about the Today In History Newsletter!