Fact 1: The Cherries Jubilee Day
May 20th is heralded as the National Cherries Jubilee Day. Cherries Jubilee is a dessert whose main ingredients are cherries and liqueur (typically Kirschwasser), which is subsequently flambeed, and commonly served as a sauce over vanilla ice cream.
Fact 2: The Maligned Reign
In history, on May 20, 325, the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church took place in Nicaea, Asia Minor, now Iznik, Turkey. This council, now known as the First Council of Nicaea, condemned Arianism and formulated the Nicene Creed, which lays down the key tenets of Christian faith.
Fact 3: Amelia's Historic Flight
On May 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart embarked on a 14-hour flight from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. This flight significantly highlighted her position as a leading figure in aviation history.
Fact 4: The Republic of Cuba
On 20th May 1902, the Republic of Cuba gained its independence from American governance. The day is celebrated as the Cuban Independence Day, known as DÃa de la Independencia in Spanish, which commemorates the end of Spanish colonial rule.
Fact 5: The California Gold Rush
On May 20, 1841, the first major wagon train headed for the American West set out on the Oregon Trail with one thousand pioneers from Elm Grove, Missouri. This event led to the major immigration wave commonly known as the California Gold Rush.
Fact 6: A Star is Born - Cher
May 20th is famed for being the birthday of Cher, an American singer, actress, and television host who has earned her the title of the Goddess of Pop. Born in 1946, she became renowned for her distinctive contralto singing voice and for having worked in numerous aspects of the entertainment industry over six decades.
Fact 7: An Astronomical Feat
On May 20, 1891, Thomas Edison's prototype kinetoscope was displayed for the National Federation of Women's Clubs. This marked a significant milestone in the history and evolution of motion pictures.
Fact 8: The Bismarck's Set Sail
On 20th of May 1941, the Bismarck, the German Warship set sail for the Atlantic Ocean. Named after Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, it was one of the largest battleships ever built by Germany and proved to be a vital element during World War II.
Fact 9: The Gambling Sin City
Las Vegas formally became a city on May 20, 1905. Known for its vibrant nightlife and casinos, it has since grown to be the most populous city in Nevada and a major centre for gambling and entertainment.
Fact 10: The National Be a Millionaire Day
The 20th of May also celebrates 'National Be a Millionaire Day'. This day is designated to everyone who aspires to become rich and live the millionaire lifestyle. It promotes financial awareness and wealth accumulation strategies.
Fact 11: A NASCAR First
The longest recorded NASCAR race in history occurred on May 20, 2007. The Coca-Cola 600 stretched out to a staggering 410 laps/615 miles, leading Kevin Harvick to snatch the victory.
Fact 12: A Kingdom's End
The Kingdom of Noricum, an ancient Celtic kingdom, was incorporated into the Roman Empire on May 20, 15 BC.
Fact 13: Levi Strauss's Trademark
Levi Strauss obtained his pants patent on May 20, 1873. This iconic brand has since become synonymous with jeans, altering the world of fashion by bringing a more practical and rugged style to everyday wear.
Fact 14: The Brooklyn Bridge Opening
The mighty Brooklyn Bridge in New York City was officially opened to traffic on May 20, 1883. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, this bridge has since become a significant symbol of New York City.
Fact 15: The Pulitzer Prize Announcement
The prestigious Pulitzer Prizes were first awarded on May 20, 1917. They were established by the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a newspaper publisher, and are awarded annually to recognize achievement in newspaper, online journalism, literature, and musical composition in the United States.
Fact 16: Mount St. Helens Eruption
On May 20, 1980, Mount St. Helens experienced a major eruption, which affected a total of 230 square miles, causing billions of dollars of damage and resulting in the deaths of 57 people.
Fact 17: Iconic May 20th Singles
May 20th has seen some famous music releases. In 1997, Backstreet Boys released "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" and in 2002, Eminem released "Without Me".
Fact 18: The Crime of the Century
On May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off in his Spirit of St. Louis airplane at 7:52 a.m. from Roosevelt Field in New York, for the daring flight that would later become known as "the crime of the century."
Fact 19: The First known Species of Homo Sapiens
On May 20, 1974, the first known fossils of the species Homo habilis were discovered in Ethiopia's Afar region, fundamentally changing the understanding of human evolution.
Fact 20: World Metrology Day
May 20 marks World Metrology Day, which celebrates the science of measurement and its importance in the global economy. The date was chosen as it commemorates the day when the Metre Convention was signed in 1875.