This day in history: 26 may

Europa

Adoption of the European Flag (1986)

• On May 26, 1986, the European Community officially adopted the European flag, now a widely recognized symbol of European unity and identity.

World War II: Evacuation from Dunkirk (1940)

• May 26, 1940, marks the start of Operation Dynamo, the massive evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, under heavy German attack. This operation saved around 338,000 soldiers and became a defining moment in European and World War II history.

Edict of Worms (1521)

• On this day in 1521, the Edict of Worms was issued, declaring Martin Luther an outlaw and a heretic. This event was pivotal in the Protestant Reformation, profoundly shaping European religious and political landscapes.

Other Notable Events

• 1918: The Democratic Republic of Georgia was established.
• 1923: The first 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race was held in France, now a legendary motorsport event.
• 1908: The first major commercial oil strike in the Middle East occurred in Persia (modern Iran), profoundly impacting European and global energy markets.

America

Memorial Day (2025)

• In 2025, May 26 is observed as Memorial Day in the United States, a federal holiday honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May each year and is marked by ceremonies, parades, and the decoration of military graves with American flags.

Great Jubilee Day (1783)

• On May 26, 1783, North Stratford, Connecticut, celebrated the end of fighting in the American Revolutionary War with the “Great Jubilee Day,” marking a significant moment of peace in early American history.

Other Notable Events

• 1805: The Lewis and Clark Expedition first saw the Rocky Mountains, a milestone in the westward exploration of the United States.
• 1927: The Ford Motor Company ended production of the Model T, a car that revolutionized American transportation and industry.
• 1938: The U.S. House Un-American Activities Committee was established to investigate alleged communist activities.
• 1868: The impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson ended with his acquittal in the Senate.

 

Asia

First Major Oil Strike in the Middle East (1908)

• On May 26, 1908, the first major commercial oil strike in the Middle East occurred at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia (modern-day Iran). This discovery transformed the region’s economy and had a lasting impact on global energy markets.

Natural Disasters

• On May 26, 2008, severe flooding began in eastern and southern China, ultimately causing 148 deaths and forcing the evacuation of 1.3 million people.

Cultural Events and Festivals

• The Java Jazz Festival, a major music event, is held annually in Indonesia around May 24–26, attracting international jazz artists and fans.
• The Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, Japan, often concludes on May 26, marking the end of one of the country’s most prestigious sumo competitions.

Notable Birthdays in India

• Several prominent Indian figures were born on May 26, including Benjamin Peary Pal (agronomist), Sukumar Azhikode (writer and critic), Vilasrao Deshmukh (politician), V.M. Sudheeran (politician), and Dilip Joshi (actor).

Africa

Start of Apartheid in South Africa (1948)

• On May 26, 1948, the National Party won the Whites-only general election in South Africa and began instituting the policy of apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that shaped the country for decades.

Signing of the OAU Charter (1963)

• On May 26, 1963, the charter of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by representatives of thirty African nations. This charter formally established the OAU, which played a central role in supporting liberation movements across the continent.

Establishment of the African Union (2001)

• On May 26, 2001, the African Union (AU) was established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, replacing the OAU. The AU aims to promote unity, solidarity, and economic growth among African countries.

Miss Universe Win for Botswana (1999)

• On May 26, 1999, Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana became the first African-born Miss Universe, marking a milestone in African representation on the global stage.

Africa Month and Africa Day Celebrations

• While Africa Day is officially celebrated on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the OAU, some Africa Month celebrations, such as the 2024 event in South Africa, are held on May 26, featuring parades and cultural festivities.