Fact 1: The Birth of the Sierra Club
On May 28th, 1892, the environmental organization Sierra Club was founded by John Muir and other conservationists in San Francisco. The Sierra Club is now a powerful player in environmental advocacy, with over 3.5 million members and supporters.
Fact 2: Golden Gate Bridge Opens
One of the most iconic landmarks not only in San Francisco but around the world, the Golden Gate Bridge, officially opened to pedestrians on May 28th, 1937. The following day, vehicles were allowed, marking a new connectivity era between San Francisco and Marin County.
Fact 3: Bills and Ben's Debut
Launched in 1952, the children's program "Bill and Ben The Flower Pot Men" had its first broadcast on BBC on May 28. This stop motion series captured hearts across generations and is considered one of the classic British television shows.
Fact 4: Amnesty International Established
May 28, 1961 marks the beginning of Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization focused on human rights. The founding was inspired by an article titled "The Forgotten Prisoners" by lawyer Peter Benenson published on the front page of The London Observer.
Fact 5: Guatemala's Devastating Earthquake
The Guatemalan Earthquake of 1976, with a moment magnitude of 7.5, happened on this date. This natural disaster resulted in substantial damage and losses, including 23,000 fatalities, making it one of the most devastating events in Guatemalan history.
Fact 6: First Indy 500
The first-ever Indianapolis 500 car race occurred on May 28th, 1911. Ray Harroun was the victorious driver in that inaugural event, thus marking the beginning of a celebrated annual tradition.
Fact 7: MLB's Perfect Game
On May 28, 1959, one of the rarest feats in sport occurred. Harvey Haddix pitches 12 perfect innings for Pittsburgh, however, the team loses to Milwaukee Braves in the 13th. Despite the loss, Haddix's impeccable performance lives on in baseball history.
Fact 8: World's Oldest Marathon Runner
In 2004, on May 28, Fauja Singh became the first 93-year-old to finish a marathon, making him the world's oldest marathon runner. His energetic spirit and resilience inspire individuals worldwide.
Fact 9: The Canonization of Joan of Arc
On May 28, 1920, Joan of Arc, a French heroine who played a crucial role in the Hundred Years' War, was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XV.
Fact 10: Sky Tower's Grand Opening
May 28, 1997, saw the grand opening of Auckland's Sky Tower in New Zealand. It remains the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere at 328 meters high.
Fact 11: The Conquest of Mount Everest
May 28, 2008, marked a milestone as Nepal's Apa Sherpa summited Mount Everest for a record-breaking 18th time!
Fact 12: Massive Hong Kong Protest
On May 28, 2003, over half a million people in Hong Kong took to the streets to protest against government proposed anti-subversion legislation under Article 23.
Fact 13: Biggest Recorded Solar Flare
The largest solar flare ever recorded happened on May 28, 2003. The explosion released as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs and sent a wave of radiation and high-speed subatomic particles towards Earth.
Fact 14: The Last Episode of the Classic "Friends"
Turns out, May 28, 2004, was the date when UK fans waved goodbye to the much-adored television series 'Friends.' On this very day, the last ever episode of 'Friends' was aired on Channel 4.
Fact 15: Passing of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Thorpe
The world said goodbye to pro football hall of famer Jim Thorpe on May 28, 1953. This iconic sports figure was also a remarkable Olympic athlete, winning gold medals in both pentathlon and decathlon in 1912.
Fact 16: Memorial Day Massacre of 1937
May 28 holds a dark place in labor history when ten unarmed demonstrators were killed by the Chicago Police during the "Little Steel Strike." This day is often referred to as the "Memorial Day Massacre."
Fact 17: Creation of Knesset Israel
On May 28, 1948, the Provisional State Council of Israel was dissolved and replaced by the Israeli Legislative body, the Knesset.
Fact 18: Ethiopia's Downfall of Haile Selassie
On May 28, 1991, the 44 year reign of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie ended. A transitional government was established, followed by Ethiopia's first multiparty election in 1994.
Fact 19: The French Open Gets Underway
An annual Grand Slam tennis tournament, the French Open (or Roland Garros) traditionally starts in the last week of May, often falling on May 28.
Fact 20: World’s Deepest Undersea Drilling
On May 28, 2009, Japan's Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology began the Chikyu Hakken mission, logging the world record for the deepest undersea drilling, to 7,740 meters below sea level.