"Old times there are not forgotten"
Akihito was installed as Emperor of Japan. The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia announced they would give up their monopoly on political power. The wreck of the German battleship Bismarck, sank in 1941 was located 600 miles west of Brest, France. The supertanker Exxon Valdez struck a reef in Prince William Sound (Alaska) and spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil into the environment causing extensive damage. Federal legislation to save the failing savings and loan industry was signed into law. U.S. Army General Colin Powell became the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. An earthquake delayed the start of the World Series in Oakland, California. L. Douglas Wilder was elected the first black governor of Virginia. Celebrating Germans began to tear down the Berlin Wall. The United States invaded Panama.
New book titles: The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, The Remains of the Day and The Joy Luck Club.
At the movies: Born on the 4th of July, Dead Poets Society, Driving Miss Daisy, Field of Dreams, Glory, Henry V, Music Box, Sex, Lies and Videotape and The Fabulous Baker Boys.
On stage: The Heidi Chronicles, Aristocrats and Largely New York.
Emmy Awards: Carroll O'Connor for In the Heat of the Night, Dana Delany for China Beach, Larry Drake for L.A.Law Melanie Mayron for thirtysomething and L.A. Law for best drama series..
January 2
West Virginia University lost to Notre Dame by the score of 34-21 in the Fiesta Bowl, played in Tempe, Arizona. This game was considered the national championship of the collegiate football season.
February 2
Soviet troops left Kabul, Afghanistan ending nine years of occupation.
May 30
A 33 foot tall statue of the Goddess of Democracy was unveiled in Tiananmen Square by student demonstrators.
September 15
Classmate Rita Bright married Donald Lathrop of Gunnison, Colorado. Rita was a school teacher and Don an automotive technician at the time. The wedding ceremony was performed beside Andrew's Lake, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
October 13
Classmate Geneva Sue Lowe-Shaw died at her home in St. Albans, West Virgina following a long illness. Following high school where Susan became one of the first female cheerleaders at Woodrow Wilson High School in approximately 30 years, she graduated from Alderson-Broaddus College and then West Virginia State College. Susan taught kindergarten in Kanawha County and Sunday School at her church. She was a Red Cross volunteer and member of several associations and societies. Susan was survived by her mother, husband and three daughters.
December 30
West Virginia University lost to Clemson by the score of 27-7 in the Gator Bowl, played in Jacksonville, Florida.