Victory Day in Russia
May 9th is celebrated as Victory Day in Russia and several former Soviet republics, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and the formal surrender of German forces in 1945, marking the end of the war in Europe.
European Union’s Europe Day
The Schuman Declaration, presented on May 9th, 1950, laid the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community, the precursor to the European Union. This day is celebrated as Europe Day, symbolizing European peace and unity.
First Transcontinental Railroad
In 1869, the United States’ first transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory Summit in Utah Territory, connecting the eastern and western parts of the country by rail, a significant achievement in transportation and westward expansion.
Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’
Alfred Hitchcock’s renowned film ‘Vertigo’ premiered on May 9th, 1958, gaining acclaim as one of Hitchcock’s most celebrated works and a classic in the mystery and thriller genres.
Pope John Paul II’s Attempted Assassination
On May 9th, 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and wounded in St. Peter’s Square, an event that resonates with themes of reconciliation and peace.
West Germany’s ‘Basic Law’ (1949)
The Parliamentary Council in Germany ratified the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany on May 9th, 1949, leading to the establishment of West Germany, laying the constitutional foundation for its democratic development.
