"Old times there are not forgotten"
The economy expanded, but only slightly, the unemployment rate continued a slow decline and consumer prices kept pace with inflation. Corporate profits increased at the expense of the foreign trade deficit and the Social Security System celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The Italian liner Achille Lauro was hijacked in the Mediterranaen Sea by Palestinian Liberation Front terrorists. Compact discs, compact disc players and books on tape gained popularity. Spies were uncovered in CIA, FBI and U.S. Navy positions. A congressional investigation estimated half a million Americans were attempting to benefit from false degrees and other credentials.
New book titles: Yeager, The Kingdom of the Wicked, , Chapterhouse Dune, The Cider House Rules and Lake Wobegone Days.
At the movies: Back to the Future, Rocky IV, Cocoon, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, The Trip to Bountiful and Out of Africa.
On stage: Tango Argentino, Biloxi Blues, Big River, Prizzi's Honor and The Official Story.
Emmy Awards: William Daniels for St. Elsewhere, Tyne Daly for Cagney and Lacy, Richard Cernna for The Rape of Richard Beck and Joanne Woodward for Do You Remember Love?.
March 4
A ban on leaded gasoline was ordered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
July 19
Christa McAuliffe, a 36 year old school teacher from Concord, New Hampshire was selected to become the first educator to fly aboard a space shuttle.
July 29
Classmate James (P.A.) Hatcher married Judith Marlene Lindgren, originally from Salol, Minnesota. The wedding ceremony was conducted in Gaithersburg, Maryland. "P.A." had an accounting practice in Germantown, Maryland at the time and Judy was employed by an accounting firm in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
September 1
The wreck of the Titanic, the luxury ship that sank during its maiden voyage in 1912 was located about 500 miles south of Newfoundland.
October 21
Classmate Sharon Louise Coleman-Estrada received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Atlantic Union College.
December 10
A ban on all tobacco advertising including smokeless tobacco products was recommended by the American Medical Association.