1. The Civil War in Alabama officially ended on August 8, 1865, when the Confederate army under the command of Nathan Bedford Forrest surrendered at Gainesville. This marked the end of the war in Alabama and the beginning of the Reconstruction era.

2. On August 8, 1916, the first commercial flight in Alabama took place between Mobile and New Orleans. The flight was operated by St. Tammany-Gulf Coast Airline and was a significant milestone in the history of aviation in the state.

3. Alabama's first public radio station, WBHM-FM, made its debut on August 8, 1976. The station, which is based in Birmingham, has since become a vital source of news, entertainment and cultural programming for Alabamians.

4. On August 8, 1980, Ronald Reagan, who would go on to become the 40th President of the United States, made a campaign stop in Birmingham. Reagan spoke to a crowd of over 10,000 supporters at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.

5. August 8 is celebrated as National Alabama Day, a day where the state's history, culture, and contributions to the nation are commemorated. The day is observed with various events, such as music performances, carnivals, and parades, across the state.