Fact 1: International Museum Day
Did you know that May 18 is the International Museum Day? Yes, it's true! This day is designated to raise awareness about the importance of museums in cultural exchange and development. It's the perfect day to visit your local museum or even take a virtual tour of an international one!
Fact 2: Mount St. Helens Eruption Anniversary
On May 18, 1980, the notorious Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington, USA. The eruption caused a devastating impact on the surrounding environment and is regarded as the deadliest volcanic event in the U.S. history. This day, therefore, marks the annual commemoration of this massive event.
Fact 3: Napoleon Bonaparte as Leader of France
This date also holds historical significance in France. On May 18, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military and political leader, was proclaimed Emperor of the French by the French Senate. This would eventually lead to his coronation on December 2, 1804.
Fact 4: Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago
In Trinidad and Tobago, May 18 is celebrated as Indian Arrival Day. It commemorates the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers who were brought by the British to work on the sugarcane plantations in 1845.
Fact 5: Independence Day in Somaliland
May 18 is a national holiday in Somaliland - it signifies their declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991. Although unrecognized internationally, the people of Somaliland celebrate this day with traditional dances, parades, and speeches.
Fact 6: Canada's Victoria Day
In Canada, May 18 is often the day when Victoria Day is celebrated. It is a public holiday in honor of Queen Victoria's birthday, and it typically marks the start of the summer season in the country.
Fact 7: Flag Day in Haiti
Did you know that May 18 is also Flag Day in Haiti? It celebrates the adoption of the country's flag, and it is also a day that commemorates Haiti’s rich history and culture.
Fact 8: Major League Baseball Fact
In Major League Baseball history, on May 18, 1912, the Detroit Tigers staged a one-day strike to protest the suspension of their star player, Ty Cobb. The team had to use their coaching staff and a bunch of amateur players to avoid a $5,000 fine.
Fact 9: Fin Whales Awareness Day
Launched by the Marine Conservation Institute, May 18 is the Fin Whales Awareness Day. This serves to bring attention to the conservation needs of these magnificent marine creatures, which are considered the second-largest species on Earth.
Fact 10: World AIDS Vaccine Day
Every May 18, people worldwide also observe World AIDS Vaccine Day or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. The day aims to acknowledge and appreciate the countless scientists, health professionals, and volunteers involved in HIV vaccine research.
Fact 11: Vesak Day
Depending on the lunar calendar, May 18 can also be celebrated as Vesak Day in some years. It is one of the most important Buddhist festivals, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
Fact 12: Birthdate of Big Stars
Did you know that some famous personalities share May 18 as their birthday? Notables include Tina Fey, the award-winning comedian and actress, and Jack Johnson, the acclaimed American folk-rock singer.
Fact 13: Pluto’s Moon Discovery
On May 18, 2005, Pluto's two small moons, Nix and Hydra, were discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope. This discovery expanded our knowledge of the outer reaches of our solar system.
Fact 14: Operation Chastise During World War II
May 18, 1943, marks the end of Operation Chastise in World War II, a Royal Air Force mission famously known as the "Dam Busters" raid, targeting Germany's Ruhr valley dams.
Fact 15: First Woman to Climb Mount Everest
Junko Tabei, a Japanese mountaineer, became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 18, 1975. This was a significant event that highlighted women's contribution to mountaineering.
Fact 16: Groundbreaking of the Golden Gate Bridge
On May 18, 1933, the groundbreaking of the famed Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, took place, marking a significant milestone in American infrastructure history.
Fact 17: First Academy Awards
The 1st ever Academy Awards, later known as the Oscars, took place in Hollywood on May 18, 1929, forever changing the course of cinematic achievement recognition.
Fact 18: National No Dirty Dishes Day
Interestingly, May 18 is recognized as National No Dirty Dishes Day in the United States. It's a day when people are encouraged to take a break from washing dishes and instead, use disposable ones or eat out.
Fact 19: First Wiki Site on the Internet
On May 18, 1995, the world's first-ever wiki site, WikiWikiWeb was launched. This technology would later pave the way for the creation of sites like Wikipedia, changing the information landscape of the internet forever.
Fact 20: The Lost Cyclone
On May 18, 1959, the renowned roller coaster, The Cyclone, at the Coney Island amusement park in New York was declared a city landmark. Sadly, this iconic ride was lost to a fire in 1978.
May 18th is indeed significant in various fields, from science and history to cultural celebrations worldwide. It's fascinating to understand the myriad of events that have taken place on this day of the year.