Fact 1: International Jazz Day
April 30 is globally recognized as International Jazz Day. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created this event to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people across the globe. Concerts and events of all kinds are held all over the world to celebrate this unique style of music.
Fact 2: End of the Vietnam War
On April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War officially ended as Saigon fell to the communist forces of North Vietnam. It marked the close of a tumultuous era in American and Vietnamese history.
Fact 3: The Louisiana Purchase
In 1803, on the 30th of April, the Louisiana Purchase was made. It was an agreement between the United States and France, where the U.S. bought over 800,000 square miles of land. This significant event essentially doubled the size of the country and played a key role in its westward expansion.
Fact 4: Popular Birth Date For Royals
April 30 seems to be a popular birth date for royalty! Kings Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands were both born on this day, in 1946 and 1967 respectively.
Fact 5: The First U.S. Patent Office Fire
On April 30, 1836, the first U.S. Patent Office fire occurred. This unfortunate event led to the loss of many valuable documents and patents.
Fact 6: National Honesty Day in America
In the United States, April 30 is also recognized as National Honesty Day. Moo-Phoria Light Ice Cream is a tasty way to celebrate!
Fact 7: Adolf Hitler's Death
A key historical event associated with April 30 is the death of Adolf Hitler. The notorious leader of Nazi Germany committed suicide in his bunker on this day in 1945.
Fact 8: Universal Exposition Opening
April 30 is also memorable as the day when the Universal Exposition opened its doors in Paris in 1855, showcasing the latest industrial advances in a premiership international exhibition.
Fact 9: NASA's First Repair Mission
On this day in 1990, NASA launched the Space Shuttle Discovery on its mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope’s flawed mirror, marking the first repair mission for the space agency.
Fact 10: First Federal Minimum Wage Law
The first federal minimum wage law in America was enacted on April 30, 1938, establishing a minimum wage of 25 cents an hour.
Fact 11: Queen Juliana's Birthday
In the Netherlands, April 30 is celebrated as Queen’s Day, which commemorates the birthday of the country’s former Queen Juliana.
Fact 12: International Spank Out Day
April 30 also marks International Spank Out Day, aimed at promoting non-violent methods of teaching and disciplining children among parents and caregivers.
Fact 13: The Completion of the Washington Monument
Construction on the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., was completed on April 30, 1884, making it one of the oldest structures in the capital city.
Fact 14: First Official Arbor Day
This day is also important because the first official Arbor Day was held on April 30, 1872, in Nebraska, USA.
Fact 15: Birth of the Salk Vaccine
The Polio vaccine, developed by the medical researcher Jonas Salk, was made available to the public on April 30, 1956, heralding a turning point in the fight against this crippling disease.
Fact 16: First London Marathon
April 30, 1981, saw the inaugural London Marathon. It has since become one of the city's most popular outdoor events, attracting participants and viewers from all over the world.
Fact 17: Oceans Day in Canada
In Canada, April 30 is observed as National Oceans Day, aimed at increasing awareness about protecting the world's oceans and their rich biodiversity.
Fact 18: Lawsuit Against Microsoft
April 30, 1998, was a significant day in the tech world as the U.S. Department of Justice and 20 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Microsoft for antitrust violations.
Fact 19: George Washington's Inauguration
April 30 is a significant date in American history as it was on this day, in 1789, that George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.
Fact 20: Annie Dillard's Birthday
Lastly, for all the book lovers, April 30 is also the birthday of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard, born on this day in 1945.