Today Is August 16

Thomas Lawrence was born on August 16, 1888 in Tremadog, Caernarfonshire (now Gwynedd), Wales in a house named Gorphwysfa, now known as Snowdon Lodge. Lawrence first went to the Middle East in 1909 when he traveled to Syria as part of his Oxford studies. He fought with Arab leaders in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turkish rule during World War I, and was the inspiration for the film Lawrence of Arabia.

Donnie Dunagan (born August 16, 1934) enlisted in the Marine Corps and became the Marines' youngest-ever drill instruction. He served three tours in Vietnam and was wounded several times, earning three purple hearts. Dunagan managed to keep a big secret throughout his entire military career. He was a voice actor in Walt Disney's Bambi movie, providing the voice of young Bambi.

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born to "Tony" Ciccone and Madonna Louise Fortin in Bay City, Michigan, on August 16, 1958. Since Madonna had the same name as her mother, family members called her "Little Nonni". Madonna moved from Michigan to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. In 1979 Madonna became romantically involved with musician Dan Gilroy. Together, they formed her first band, the Breakfast Club, for which Madonna sang and played drums and guitar.

For more August 16 anniversaries, including the marriage of Italian composer Gioachino Rossini and French artists' model and hostess Olympe Pélissier, Usain Bolt's world record run for the 100 metres, and the first smartphone, check out OnThatDay