Fact 1: Birthday of Many Stars
May 12 has seen the birth of numerous luminaries in the film and music industry. They include the likes of Tony Hawk, famous professional skateboarder and entrepreneur, Emilio Estevez, a talented actor known for his roles in "The Breakfast Club" and "St. Elmo's Fire", and the Academy Award-winning actress, Catherine Tate.
Fact 2: The Most Celebrated World Nurse Day
One of the most unique things about May 12 is that it graced the world with Florence Nightingale, famed as the "Lady with the Lamp" and the pioneer of modern nursing. To honor her, World Nurse Day is celebrated globally on this day to recognize and appreciate the hard work of nurses worldwide.
Fact 3: The First Time a Criminal was caught by Wireless Communication
On May 12, 1903, the infamous Dr. Crippen was caught fleeing the country as a result of the effective use of wireless communication. This marked the first time wireless communication had been used in catching an escaping criminal.
Fact 4: Global Awareness of Fibromyalgia
On May 12 every year, the world recognizes and raises awareness of a painful condition known as Fibromyalgia that affects millions globally. Fibromyalgia Awareness Day aims to increase support for those suffering from the condition, improve the understanding and treatment of this illness, and work toward a cure.
Fact 5: Birthday of the Most Grand Slams Women’s Doubles Champion
On May 12, Martina Navratilova, who holds the record for winning the most Grand Slams in women's doubles, was born. With her aggressive play and fearless attitude, she was a dominant figure in women's tennis.
Fact 6: First Time a Perfect Game in the Major Leagues was Pitched
On May 12, 1955, the world saw the first perfect game in Major League Baseball. Pitcher Don Larsen of the New York Yankees pitched the perfect game during the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Fact 7: An Epic Two-Year Voyage Completed
On May 12, 1820, the famous French geographer and explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville completed a two-year long voyage around the globe. He is known for his explorations in the Pacific and was instrumental in France's claim of Antarctica.
Fact 8: Tragic Mount Everest Incident
On May 12, 2008, a tragic event unfolded in the climbing world. More than 40 Sherpa climbers were buried in an avalanche during an Everest Expedition, marking it as one of the deadliest incidents on Mount Everest.
Fact 9: The World’s First Smallpox Inoculation
On this day in 1796, Edward Jenner successfully administered the world's first smallpox inoculation, paving the way for the eventual eradication of this deadly disease.
Fact 10: A Day for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness
Serving as a day of awareness, May 12 marks International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Awareness Day. This day aims to raise awareness about this debilitating illness and its effects on individuals who suffer from it.
Fact 11: Operation Chastise Initiated
On May 12, 1943, during World War II, Operation Chastise was initiated. This operation involved the famous "Dambusters Raid" where British bombers targeted German dams in an attempt to disrupt the enemy's industrial heartland.
Fact 12: First Recorded Ascent of the North Pole
This day in 1926 marked the first recorded successful ascent of the North Pole by American explorer Richard E. Byrd.
Fact 13: Security Treaty between the U.S. and Japan
On May 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy announced the Security Treaty between the United States and Japan, reinforcing their mutual consent to act against any adversary in the Pacific region.
Fact 14: Mother’s Day Proclamation
May 12, 1870, saw American social activist Julia Ward Howe issue the Mother's Day Proclamation. This was a significant step towards establishing an official celebration of Mother's Day in the United States.
Fact 15: The Day of a Historical Speech
On May 12, 1963, Bob Dylan walked out of the Ed Sullivan Show after the show's producers attempted to censor his controversial song, "Talkin' John Birch Paranoid Blues". This was a historic moment that defined Dylan’s rebellious character.
Fact 16: Soviet Union’s Victory Day Parade
Post the World War II, to commemorate Soviet Union's victory over the Nazis, the first Victory Day Parade was held on May 12, 1945 at Moscow's Red Square.
Fact 17: Death of A Pioneer in Quantum Physics
May 12, 1943 marked the death of German physicist Max Wertheimer, a significant contributor to the early stages of quantum physics study.
Fact 18: Birthday of the Founder of Modern Dance
On May 12, 1873, the world welcomed Katherine Dunham, known as the "matriarch and queen mother of black dance". Her contributions revolutionized American dance and she's often credited as the founder of modern dance.
Fact 19: A Historic Jewel Heist
On May 12, 2003, the Antwerp Diamond Center in Belgium was victim to a historic jewel heist, where thieves took away an estimated $100 million in uncut diamonds, gold, and other gems.
Fact 20: The Day for International Nurses
Maintaining the legacy of Florence Nightingale, May 12 is celebrated as International Nurses Day. It was first established by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1965.