August 15: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2013: On August 15, 2013, the aftermath of the Egyptian coup d'état was marked by significant violence and international diplomatic tension. Security forces and protesters engaged in deadly clashes, resulting in 638 deaths. The Muslim Brotherhood stormed and set fire to a Cairo government building, escalating the political unrest. In response to the violence, President Barack Obama canceled joint military exercises between the United States and Egypt.
• 2006: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine, a controversial site that has historically drawn significant protests from neighboring countries due to its commemoration of war criminals.
• 1991: On August 15, 1991, legendary musician Paul Simon performed a massive free concert in Central Park, New York, drawing an extraordinary crowd of approximately 750,000 people. This landmark event showcased Simon's immense popularity and his ability to unite diverse audiences through music. The concert was part of his 'Born at the Right Time' tour and featured both his solo work and songs from his iconic partnership with Art Garfunkel.
• 1987: In a dramatic baseball match at the Pan Am Games in Indianapolis, the United States defeated Cuba with a game-winning home run by Ty Griffin. This marked Cuba's first loss in 20 years of Pan American Games baseball competition, ending a remarkable unbeaten streak.
• 1986: Following the tragic Challenger disaster earlier that year on January 28, US President Ronald Reagan made a decisive commitment to continue NASA's space exploration efforts by supporting the development of a replacement shuttle. This decision underscored the administration's dedication to maintaining America's space program momentum despite the significant setback.
• 1984: On August 15, 1984, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) initiated a significant armed campaign against Turkish security forces by launching coordinated attacks on police and gendarmerie bases in the southeastern Turkish towns of Şemdinli and Eruh. This marked the beginning of a prolonged and violent conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state, seeking Kurdish autonomy and cultural rights.
• 1983: Joey Ramone, the iconic guitarist of the influential punk rock band The Ramones, was severely injured after being beaten in a physical altercation. The incident led to emergency brain surgery on August 15, 1983, highlighting the dangerous and volatile environment surrounding punk rock musicians during that era.
• 1982: Professional golfer Beth Daniel secured victory at the LPGA WUI Golf Classic, demonstrating her skill and competitive prowess in women's professional golf during the early 1980s.
• 1978: US House of Representatives approves 39-month extension for Equal Rights Amendment with a vote of 233-169, demonstrating continued legislative support for gender equality.
• 1975: Joanne Little was acquitted of murder charges, a significant legal event highlighting issues of self-defense and racial justice in the mid-1970s United States.

How to check someone's birthday?

If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide

August 15th marks the 227th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 228th in case of leap years).

There are 138 days remaining until the end of the year.

August 15th is the 15th day of the month of August.

What day of the week is August 15?

On August 15th, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.

Holidays and Observances on August 15

The zodiac sign associated with August 15th is Leo according to the Western Zodiac.

More about August 15 zodiac

What is special about the Leo sign?

• Leo personality traits and attitude
• Leo most and least compatible signs
• Why August born are so special