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II. August 17, 1903,
Foundation for the famous Pulitzer Prizes was laid when Joe Pulitzer donated $1 million to Columbia University. Here’s a brief history of the man:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Pulitzer

And a documentary of the prizes at 100

III. August 17, 1945
The declaration of Indonesian independence was made by the nationalist Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta. They both later became president of Indonesia.
Here’s a brief history:

IV. August 17, 1978
The first successful crossing of the Atlantic in a balloon was achieved by three Americans - Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman.