August 18, 2026 celebrates World Never Give Up Day. Today is August 18 on the National Day Calendar, and we are celebrating World Never Give Up Day. This day is more than a celebration--it's a global movement that honors the often unrecognized but unyielding spirit of determination. On World Never Give Up Day, people around the world are encouraged to reflect on their goals, reignite their passions, and embrace the inner strength it takes to keep pushing forward.
Born on August 18
People born on August 18
1936
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Robert Redford
Critically acclaimed actor, director, and producer. Redford is well known for his roles in several award-winning films, such as Butch Cassidy andthe Sundance Kid, All the President's Men and The Natural.
1952
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Patrick Swayze
Actor with award winning accolades in The Outsiders, Red Dawn, and Dirty Dancing.
1774
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Meriwether Lewis
Lead explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
1834
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Marshall Field
Founded of department store chain Marshall Field's.
1902
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Margaret Murie
Adventurist who is considered the "Grandmother of the Conservation Movement."
1970
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Actor fondly remembered for his role as Theo Huxtable on the sitcom The Cosby Show.
1893
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Burleigh Grimes
The last MLB pitcher to officially throw the spitball.
1833
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Benjamin Harrison
The 23rd President of the U.S., serving from 1889 to 1893.
1954
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Al Roker
News anchor, television personality, and author.
Historical Events on August 18
Events that occurred on August 18 throughout history
1590
John White, the governor of the Roanoke Colony, returns from a supply trip to England and finds his settlement deserted. He discovered no signs of a struggle or violence. The only clue he found was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.
1840
The American Society of Dental Surgeons is founded. The organization was the first national dental organization in the U.S. to set professional standards and advance dental education.
1868
French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovers helium while viewing a solar eclipse.
1872
Aaron Montgomery Ward of Montgomery Wards issues the first mail-order catalog. The catalog was printed as a single 8x12-inch sheet of paper and featured 163 products with ordering instructions. The catalog was intended to serve rural and farming communities by cutting out middlemen.
1919
The Anti-Cigarette League of America forms in Chicago, Illinois. Created by Lucy Page Gaston, the organization campaigned against tobacco use by youth. the movement used the slogan "A Smokeless America by 1925" before losing momentum after World War I.
1956
Elvis Presley's Hound Dog and Don't Be Cruel reach #1 in the charts. Both hits spent a total of 11 weeks on the charts and sold over 4 million copies by the end of the year. By 1961, copies sold surpassed 6 million.
1963
James Meredith becomes the first Black student to graduate from the University of Mississippi. President John F. Kennedy sent U.S. Marshals enforce the law and protect him during his time at the University. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science.
1988
The FDA approves Minoxidil as a hair loss treatment. The product was specifically designed to treat androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) in men and women. It was first approved as a treatment for men in 1988, with approval for women years following.
