Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Today is significant in many ways. And, you won't get to see 05-05-05 very often!
Here are a few other significant events on May 5 in history:
- 1494 - Christopher Columbus sighted Jamaica on his second trip to the Western Hemisphere. He named the island Santa Gloria.
- 1862 - The Battle of Puebla took place. It is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo Day.
- 1865 - The Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery in the U.S.
- 1904 - The third perfect game of the major leagues was thrown by Cy Young (Boston Red Sox) against the Philadelphia Athletics. It was the first perfect game under modern rules.
- 1917 - Eugene Jacques Bullard becomes the first African-American aviator when he earned his flying certificate with the French Air Service.
- 1961 - Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he made a 15 minute suborbital flight.
- 1966 - Willie Mays broke the National League record for home runs when he hit his 512th.
Today is also the National Day of Prayer.
From the Presidential Proclamation:
The Congress by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the freedom of religion by recognizing annually a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 5, 2005, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith, for the liberty and blessings we have received and for God's continued guidance and protection. I also urge all Americans to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Amen.
See also: General
