[Fact 1: A Historic Day for World War II]
May 8th holds an important place in the history of World War II. It is celebrated as V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day), marking the end of WWII in Europe. On this day in 1945, the Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces.
[Fact 2: Herald of Spring in The Northern Hemisphere]
May 8th in the northern hemisphere falls within the height of spring. It is not uncommon for there to be an explosion of blooming flowers and warmer temperatures around this time. For many people, May 8th marks a time of rebirth, renewal, and the promise of summer to come.
[Fact 3: An Iconic Modernist Painting was Auctioned]
On May 8, 2012, an iconic painting 'The Scream' by Edvard Munch was sold for the record price of nearly $120 million at Sotheby's auction in New York, making it the most expensive painting sold at an auction at that time.
[Fact 4: The National Train Day in the United States]
In the United States, May 8th was once celebrated as National Train Day to commemorate the "Golden Spike" event of 1869, which marked the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. However, the annual celebration ended in 2015.
[Fact 5: The Founding of the American Red Cross]
On May 8, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization offering emergency assistance inside the United States. Today the organization is involved in disaster relief globally and continues to touch millions of lives.
[Fact 6: Birthday of a Famous Composer]
May 8 is the birth date of the famous Czech composer František Krommer. Born in 1759, he was respected for his wind compositions.
[Fact 7: Statehood Day in Wisconsin]
For the people of Wisconsin, May 8 is a day of pride and celebration. On May 8, 1848, Wisconsin was admitted to the Union as the 30th state.
[Fact 8: The Oldest Woman to Ever Live Passed Away]
On May 8, 1997, Jeanne Calment, the oldest documented person to have ever lived, died at the age of 122 years and 164 days, in Arles, France.
[Fact 9: Harry S. Truman's Birthday]
Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born on May 8, 1884. Truman is known for his decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during World War II.
[Fact 10: Most Watched Television Series Finale in U.S. History]
On May 8, 1997, the final episode of the popular TV series 'Seinfeld' aired in the U.S., drawing in over 76 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched series finales in U.S. television history.
[Fact 11: The unveiling of the David Statue]
On May 8, 1504, Michelangelo’s David statue—an iconic sculpture, was unveiled in Florence. It has since been recognized as a symbol of human strength and beauty.
[Fact 12: The Birth of Nobel Prize Winner Robert A. Mundell]
On May 8, 1932, Robert A. Mundell was born. He is renowned for his research in monetary dynamics and optimum currency areas. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1999.
[Fact 13: The Day Vesuvius Became a National Park]
On May 8, 1995, Mount Vesuvius and its surrounding area in Italy was declared a National Park, recognizing its natural beauty and historical significance.
[Fact 14: The Death of a British Avant-Garde Film Director]
On May 8, 1994, the British avant-garde film director Derek Jarman passed away. Jarman was noted for his unconventional methods and provocative content.
[Fact 15: The Launch of a Famous Satellite]
On May 8, 1958, the satellite Vanguard 1 was launched into space. What makes Vanguard 1 unique is that it was the first satellite outfitted with solar electric power to be launched into space.
[Fact 16: Birthday of a Famous French Performer]
French performer and showgirl, Léa Seydoux, was born on May 8, 1985. Known for her roles in films like ‘Blue is the Warmest Colour’ and the ‘James Bond’ franchise, Seydoux is a notable figure in international cinema.
[Fact 17: The Birth of a Famous Cricket Player]
The famous Indian cricketer, Virat Kohli's mother, Saroj Kohli, was born on May 8, 1960. She is known for her dedicated support of her son's cricketing career.
[Fact 18: The Bellevue Stratford Hotel Opening]
On May 8, 1904, the lavish Bellevue Stratford Hotel was opened in Philadelphia. It quickly became known as the “Grand Dame” of Broad Street.
[Fact 19: The Birth of a Renowned Comic Book Writer]
Legendary comic book creator, Bill Finger, co-creator of Batman, was born on May 8, 1914. He contributed significantly to the development of Batman’s world, which continues to captivate audiences today.
[Fact 20: An International Technothlon Day]
IIT Guwahati in India observes May 8 as International Technothlon Day to commemorate the initiation of Technothlon, an international school championship, for inspiring young minds towards innovation in science and technology.