Former PM Jawaharlal Nehru’s Death Anniversary, 1964
May 27, 1964, marked the passing of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. His death anniversary is observed annually on this date, commemorating the end of an era in Indian politics and leadership. As a central figure in the Indian independence movement, Nehru played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of modern India. His visionary leadership advocated for secularism, democracy, and social justice, laying the foundation for India’s democratic institutions and guiding its foreign policy. Nehru’s legacy continues to inspire generations, and his death anniversary serves as a moment of reflection on his contributions to the nation’s progress and ideals.
Golden Gate Bridge Opens, 1937
On May 27, 1937, the newly completed Golden Gate Bridge, connecting San Francisco and Marin County, California, welcomed its first pedestrians. The bridge’s construction, initiated in 1933 amidst the Great Depression, was completed in 1937. Designed by engineer Joseph Strauss and architect Irving Morrow, with consulting engineer Charles Alton Ellis, the project employed thousands of workers and was remarkable for being finished ahead of schedule and under budget.
Disney Releases ‘The Three Little Pigs’, 1933
Walt Disney’s release of the animated short film ‘The Three Little Pigs’ in 1933 marked a milestone in animation history. The cartoon, featuring the catchy song ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?’, became an instant hit, particularly resonating with audiences during the Great Depression. The story of the three pigs facing off against the threatening wolf encapsulated themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, offering audiences a sense of hope during challenging times.
Treaty of Copenhagen Signed, 1660
The Treaty of Copenhagen, signed on May 27, 1660, between Sweden and Denmark-Norway, marked the conclusion of a lengthy period of warfare between the two powers in the region. This treaty helped establish modern boundaries for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, bringing stability to the region after years of conflict. The treaty was negotiated in the aftermath of the Second Northern War (1655–1660), a conflict primarily between Sweden and a coalition of Denmark-Norway, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and Brandenburg-Prussia.
British Royal Navy Sinks German Battleship ‘Bismarck’, 1941
The sinking of the German battleship Bismarck by the British Royal Navy in May 1941 was a pivotal moment in World War II. After a dramatic three-day pursuit, the British Royal Navy caught up to the Bismarck and engaged in a fierce battle, resulting in the sinking of the German ship with a loss of approximately 2,000 lives. This victory against one of Germany’s most formidable battleships significantly boosted British morale and provided a major setback to the German navy.
Birthdays
May 27th is also the birthday of several notable individuals:
*
Ravi Shastri
(born 1962): Former Indian cricketer and coach of the Indian national cricket team*
Nitin Gadkari
(born 1957): Indian politician and prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)*
Lee Meriwether
(born 1935): American actress*
Bruce Weitz
(born 1943): American actor*
Christopher Dodd
(born 1944): American politician and former U.S. Senator*
Bruce Cockburn
(born 1945): Canadian singer-songwriter*
Henry McMaster
(born 1947): American politician and current Governor of South Carolina*
Dee Dee Bridgewater
(born 1950): American singer and actress*
Richard Schiff
(born 1955): American actor*
Siouxsie Sioux
(born 1957): English singer and songwriter, best known for her work with Siouxsie and the Banshees*
Neil Finn
(born 1958): New Zealand singer-songwriter, known for his work with Split Enz and Crowded House*
Peri Gilpin
(born 1961): American actress*
