2023 – Nine people are killed and thirteen injured in a spree shooting in Mladenovac and Smederevo, Serbia. It is the second mass shooting in the country in two days.
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4
May
May 4
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Understanding Anti-Bullying Day: A United Nations Initiative
Anti-Bullying Day, recognized globally on the first Wednesday of November, serves as a vital reminder of the need to stand against bullying in all its forms. It is an initiative supported by various countries and organizations under the auspices of the United Nations. The day was established to raise awareness about bullying and encourage both individuals and communities to take action against this pervasive issue that affects millions worldwide.Historically, bullying has deep roots in human interaction, often arising from power imbalances among peers...
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Bird Day: Honoring Avian Diversity and Conservation in the U.S.
Bird Day, celebrated on May 4th in the United States, is a special occasion that highlights the importance of birds and their habitats. It serves not only as a reminder to appreciate the beauty of our avian friends but also to recognize their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Established in 1894 by Charles Almanzo Babcock, an educator from Oil City, Pennsylvania, Bird Day was designed to teach children about bird conservation and environmental awareness. Over time, it has evolved into a broader celebration of wildlife and nature...
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Coal Miners Day in India: Honoring the Guardians of Energy
The significance of Coal Miners Day in India cannot be overstated. Celebrated annually on the 4th of May, this day honors the relentless efforts and sacrifices made by coal miners who have been pivotal in fueling the nation’s growth and development. As India continues its journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, the role of coal miners becomes even more prominent, as they toil deep underground to extract a resource that powers homes, industries, and transportation across the vast subcontinent. The history of coal mining in India dates back to ancient times, but it was during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century that it began gaining significant momentum...
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Death of Milan Rastislav Štefánik Day: A Tribute to Slovak History
Milan Rastislav Štefánik is one of the most significant figures in Slovak history, celebrated not only for his contributions to the Czechoslovak state but also for his multifaceted roles as an aviator, diplomat, and politician. The day marking his death, on May 4th, serves as a poignant reminder of his profound impact on Slovakia's national identity and its quest for independence. Štefánik's life journey encapsulates the spirit of sacrifice and dedication toward a cause greater than oneself—a quality that resonates deeply within the Slovak cultural narrative. Born on July 21, 1880, in Austria-Hungary (now Slovakia), Štefánik’s academic brilliance led him to pursue studies in astronomy and engineering...
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Greenery Day: Embracing Nature in Japan
Greenery Day, celebrated annually on April 29th in Japan, serves as a tribute to the environment and encourages appreciation for nature. Established as a national holiday in 1989, this day was designed to recognize the importance of green spaces and environmental conservation. It marks the beginning of the Golden Week in Japan, a time when many citizens embark on trips or partake in outdoor activities. The significance of this day goes beyond mere celebration; it reflects a deep-rooted cultural ethos where nature is intertwined with daily life...
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International Firefighters' Day: A Tribute to Global Bravery
International Firefighters' Day, observed annually on May 4th, stands as a profound reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifices made by firefighters around the world. This day honors those who have lost their lives in the line of duty while also celebrating those who continue to serve. The establishment of this day was in response to a tragic event that occurred in Australia on January 2, 1999, when five brave firefighters lost their lives while combating a wildfire near Linton in Victoria. Their sacrifice has since become an emblematic call for awareness regarding the dangers faced by firefighters...
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Commemorating the May Fourth Movement: A Reflection on Its Legacy
The May Fourth Movement, ignited on May 4, 1919, is a pivotal event in Chinese history that signifies a turning point in the nation's quest for modernization and national sovereignty. Originating from student protests against the Treaty of Versailles, which awarded German concessions in Shandong to Japan instead of returning them to China, this movement transcended mere academic concern. It represented a collective awakening among the youth and intellectuals of China, propelling them toward political activism and cultural reform. The importance of the May Fourth Movement lies not only in its immediate cause but also in its broader implications for Chinese society...
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Celebrating Literary Day in the Republic of China: A Tribute to Literature and Culture
Literary Day, celebrated on March 27th each year in the Republic of China (Taiwan), holds profound significance as it honors the rich tapestry of literature that weaves through Taiwanese history and culture. This day is dedicated to recognizing writers, poets, and intellectuals who have contributed immensely to the literary landscape of Taiwan. It serves not only as a tribute to their works but also as an inspiration for future generations to appreciate and cultivate literary arts. Historically, March 27 was chosen because it marks the birthday of renowned Taiwanese writer Yu Guangzhong (1928-2017), who was instrumental in shaping modern literature on the island...
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Youth Day in China: Celebrating Young Generations and Their Impact
Youth Day, celebrated on May 4th each year in China, commemorates the May Fourth Movement of 1919—a pivotal moment in Chinese history that sparked a wave of nationalism and cultural awakening among the youth. This day is not just a remembrance of events long past; it symbolizes the collective voice and power of young people in shaping their society. The importance of Youth Day lies not only in honoring the spirit and actions of young revolutionaries but also in inspiring current generations to continue pursuing progress, innovation, and unity for a brighter future. The Blossoming Lotus: A Tribute to Young Visionaries As we step into this celebration, the air is filled with an invigorating sense of hope, reminiscent of blooming lotus flowers emerging from tranquil waters...
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Cassinga Day: A Tribute to Namibia's Struggle for Freedom
Cassinga Day is a significant observance in Namibia, celebrated annually on May 4th. This day marks the remembrance of the tragic events that took place at Cassinga, a village in southern Angola, where thousands of Namibians lost their lives in a brutal attack by the South African Defense Forces in 1978. The importance of this day lies not only in honoring those who perished but also in reflecting upon the broader struggle for independence and self-determination that defined Namibia's history. The historical context surrounding Cassinga Day is intertwined with Namibia's fight against colonial rule and apartheid...
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Remembrance Day for Martyrs and Disabled: Honoring Afghanistan's Heroes
In Afghanistan, the Remembrance Day for Martyrs and Disabled is a solemn occasion observed annually on the 8th of Sawr in the Afghan calendar, which corresponds with April 27. This day holds immense significance as it serves to honor the countless martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for their country, as well as those who have become disabled due to decades of conflict. The remembrance reflects a deep-rooted cultural respect for bravery and resilience that resonates through the annals of Afghan history.The importance of this day cannot be overstated; it embodies collective grief, national pride, and an unwavering commitment to peace...
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Remembrance of the Dead in the Netherlands: A Tribute to Sacrifice
Remembrance of the Dead, known as 'Dodenherdenking' in Dutch, holds profound meaning and importance within Dutch society. Each year on May 4th, at 8:00 PM, a moment of silence is observed throughout the nation to honor and remember those who lost their lives during World War II and in subsequent conflicts. This day serves not only as a commemoration of sacrifice but also as a reminder of the deep scars left by war and violence in our history. Historically, the origins of this somber remembrance date back to 1945 when people began to recognize the immense loss endured during WWII...
Events
2019 – The inaugural all-female motorsport series, W Series, takes place at Hockenheimring. The race was won by Jamie Chadwick, who would go on to become the inaugural season's champion.
2014 – Three people are killed and 62 injured in a pair of bombings on buses in Nairobi, Kenya.
2007 – Greensburg, Kansas is almost completely destroyed by a 1.7-mile wide EF5 tornado. It was the first-ever tornado to be rated as such with the new Enhanced Fujita scale.
2002 – One hundred three people are killed and 51 are injured in a plane crash near Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, Nigeria.
2000 – Ken Livingstone becomes the first Mayor of London (an office separate from that of the Lord Mayor of London).
1998 – A federal judge in Sacramento, California, gives "Unabomber" Theodore Kaczynski four life sentences plus 30 years after Kaczynski accepts a plea agreement sparing him from the death penalty.
1994 – Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasser Arafat sign a peace accord, granting self-rule in the Gaza Strip and Jericho.
1990 – Latvia declares independence from the Soviet Union.
1989 – Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on mission STS-30 to deploy the Venus-bound Magellan space probe.
1989 – Iran–Contra affair: Former White House aide Oliver North is convicted of three crimes and acquitted of nine other charges; the convictions are later overturned on appeal.
1988 – The PEPCON disaster rocks Henderson, Nevada, as tons of Space Shuttle fuel detonate during a fire.
1982 – Twenty sailors are killed when the British Type 42 destroyer HMS Sheffield is hit by an Argentinian Exocet missile during the Falklands War.
1979 – Margaret Thatcher becomes the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
1978 – The South African Defence Force attacks a SWAPO base at Cassinga in southern Angola, killing about 600 people.
1973 – The 108-story Sears Tower in Chicago is topped out at 1,451 feet (442 m) as the world's tallest building.
1972 – The Don't Make A Wave Committee, a fledgling environmental organization founded in Canada in 1971, officially changes its name to "Greenpeace Foundation".
1970 – Vietnam War: Kent State shootings: The Ohio National Guard, sent to Kent State University after disturbances in the city of Kent the weekend before, opens fire killing four unarmed students and wounding nine others. The students were protesting the Cambodian Campaign of the United States and South Vietnam.
1961 – Malcolm Ross and Victor Prather attain a new altitude record for manned balloon flight ascending in the Strato-Lab V open gondola to 113,740 feet (34.67 km).
1961 – American civil rights movement: The "Freedom Riders" begin a bus trip through the South.
Births
1994 – Joseph Tapine, New Zealand rugby league player
1994 – Abi Masatora, Japanese sumo wrestler
1992 – Victor Oladipo, American basketball player
1991 – Brianne Jenner, Canadian women's ice hockey player
1989 – James van Riemsdyk, American ice hockey player
1989 – Rory McIlroy, Northern Irish golfer
1988 – Radja Nainggolan, Belgian footballer
1987 – Jorge Lorenzo, Spanish motorcycle racer
1987 – Cesc Fàbregas, Spanish footballer and manager
1986 – George Hill, American basketball player
Deaths
2024 – Frank Stella, American painter (b. 1936)
2020 – Don Shula, American football player and coach (b. 1930)
2016 – Jean-Baptiste Bagaza, Burundian politician (b. 1946)
2015 – William Bast, American screenwriter and author (b. 1931)
2014 – Helga Königsdorf, German physicist and author (b. 1938)
2014 – Edgar Cortright, American scientist and engineer (b. 1923)
2014 – Elena Baltacha, Ukrainian-Scottish tennis player (b. 1983)
2014 – Dick Ayers, American author and illustrator (b. 1924)
2013 – Mario Machado, Chinese-American journalist and actor (b. 1935)
2013 – Javier Diez Canseco, Peruvian sociologist and politician (b. 1948)