Deaths on December 15

Vassal Gadoengin, Nauruan educator and politician, Speaker of the Nauru Parliament (b. 1943)

Vassal Abago Bagobagan Gadoengin (May 1, 1943 – December 15, 2004) was a political figure from the Pacific nation of Nauru.

1 Jan

Pervez Musharraf
In a vote of confidence, General Pervez Musharraf wins 658 out of 1,170 votes in the Electoral College of Pakistan, and according to Article 41(8) of the Constitution of Pakistan, is "deemed to be elected" to the office of President until October 2007.
2 Feb

Roger Federer
Swiss tennis player Roger Federer becomes the No. 1 ranked men's singles player, a position he will hold for a record 237 weeks.
1 May

European Union
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia join the European Union, celebrated at the residence of the Irish President in Dublin.
26 May

Oklahoma City bombing
United States Army veteran Terry Nichols is found guilty of 161 state murder charges for helping carry out the Oklahoma City bombing.
3 Aug

September 11 attacks
The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty reopens after being closed since the September 11 attacks.