The US Defense Secretary announced that the US Military would open all combat roles to women.
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HAL Laboratory's Super Smash Bros. Melee was released by Nintendo for the GameCube.
NASA lost radio contact with the Mars Polar Lander moments before the spacecraft entered the Martian atmosphere.
The 70th anniversary of NATO was marked by a gathering in London of world leaders, followed by a reception by Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
The Grand Union Flag flew for the first time with the commissioning of the USS Alfred.
The original PlayStation was launched in Japan.
