World Turtle Day – celebrated annually on May 23rd, this day is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about the importance of turtles and tortoises.
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula – this day aims to raise awareness about obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of women and girls around the world, particularly those living in poverty.
International Day for Biological Diversity – first proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993, this day is a global celebration of the rich diversity of life on Earth, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness about the threats to biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation.
National Missing Children’s Day (USA) – observed annually in the United States on May 25th, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of child safety and the ongoing efforts to bring missing children home.
Europe Day – celebrated on May 9th each year, Europe Day is a commemoration of the formation of the European Union, and an opportunity to celebrate the shared values and achievements of its member states.
Labor Day (Jamaica) – celebrated annually on May 23rd in Jamaica, this day is dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers to the country’s social and economic development, as well as highlighting ongoing struggles for worker’s rights and protections.
1430 – Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve the siege of Compiègne.
1618 – The Second Defenestration of Prague: Protestant nobles throw two Catholic Imperial officials and their secretary out of a window in Prague, which ultimately leads to the Thirty Years’ War.
1788 – South Carolina ratifies the United States Constitution as the eighth American state.
1829 – Accordion patent granted to Cyrill Demian in Vienna, Austrian Empire.
1934 – Infamous American outlaws Bonnie and Clyde are ambushed and killed by police in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.
1945 – World War II: Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS, commits suicide while in British custody.
1960 – Israel announces it has captured former Nazi official Adolf Eichmann in Argentina.
1995 – The first version of the Java programming language is released to the public.
2018 – The Irish abortion referendum takes place, with voters choosing to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland which effectively prohibited abortion in the country.
