Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

May 8

May 8 is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the , with 237 days remaining until the year's end. The date holds particular historical significance as (VE Day), commemorating the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany's armed forces to the Allies on May 8, 1945, which concluded active combat in the European theater of after nearly six years of conflict. Celebrations erupted worldwide upon the announcement, with leaders including U.S. President and British Prime Minister addressing their nations on the formal acceptance of the German capitulation signed the previous day in , . Other notable events associated with May 8 include Spanish explorer reaching the in 1541 and the U.S. passing the Militia Act of 1792, establishing federal conscription authority. In various countries, the date also marks observances such as Truman Day in and Liberation Day in the , reflecting its role in both wartime closure and national remembrances.

Events

Pre-1600

of Orléans, a decisive episode in the between and , ended on May 8, 1429, when French troops forced the withdrawal of besieging English forces, marking a turning point that halted English advances and restored French momentum. The English, under the , had invested the city—a key stronghold controlling access to —beginning October 12, 1428, with approximately 5,000 troops establishing fortified positions around the perimeter to starve out the 2,400 defenders and civilians. , a 17-year-old peasant girl claiming divine visions, arrived on April 29, 1429, with reinforcements of about 400 men; her leadership inspired a rapid series of sorties, including the recapture of English-held bridges and bastions, culminating in the English abandonment of their camps after sustaining heavy losses in assaults on May 6 and 7. This victory, achieved with minimal French casualties relative to the English toll of over 2,000 dead or captured during the siege's final phase, boosted national resolve, enabled Charles VII's subsequent coronation at , and foreshadowed French reconquests that eroded English continental holdings by 1453.

1601–1900

On May 8, 1792, President signed the Militia Acts into law, requiring able-bodied white male citizens aged 18 to 45 to enroll in state and authorizing the president to call up to 15,000 militiamen for federal service, marking an early federal effort to standardize military readiness amid threats from Native American tribes and European powers. The occurred on May 8, 1846, when U.S. Army forces under General , numbering about 2,300 men with superior , clashed with a larger Mexican force of roughly 3,700 under General on open prairie near present-day ; the engagement, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War, ended in a U.S. tactical victory with Mexican casualties exceeding 300 killed or wounded compared to fewer than a dozen American losses, primarily due to effective flying tactics that neutralized Mexican and charges. On May 8, 1886, pharmacist sold the first glass of at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, marketing the carbonated beverage—initially containing coca leaf extract and —as a non-alcoholic for headaches and fatigue, with sales averaging nine glasses per day in its debut year before Asa Candler acquired and expanded the formula commercially.

1901–present

On May 8, 1902, on the island of erupted violently, pyroclastic flows destroying the town of Saint-Pierre and killing approximately 30,000 people, marking the deadliest volcanic event of the . The commenced on May 8, 1942, during , as U.S. and Australian naval forces engaged Japanese carriers in the first battle conducted entirely by aircraft, resulting in a strategic Allied victory that halted Japan's southward expansion and inflicted Japan's first major naval defeat. May 8, 1945, is celebrated as , when Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender took effect at 23:01 , formally ending hostilities in the European theater of after nearly six years of conflict. The World Health Organization's 33rd World Health Assembly declared on May 8, 1980, that had been eradicated globally, following the last natural case in 1977 and intensive vaccination campaigns that eliminated the variola virus from human populations. South Africa's adopted a new on May 8, 1996, which enshrined equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, effectively dismantling the legal framework of and establishing a foundation for post-apartheid governance. On May 8, 2018, U.S. President announced the ' withdrawal from the (JCPOA), the 2015 multilateral agreement limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, citing the deal's failure to address Iran's ballistic missiles, regional activities, and sunset clauses.

Births

Pre-1600

The siege of Orléans, a decisive episode in the Hundred Years' War between England and France, ended on May 8, 1429, when French troops forced the withdrawal of besieging English forces, marking a turning point that halted English advances and restored French momentum. The English, under the Earl of Suffolk, had invested the city—a key Loire Valley stronghold controlling access to southern France—beginning October 12, 1428, with approximately 5,000 troops establishing fortified positions around the perimeter to starve out the 2,400 defenders and civilians. Joan of Arc, a 17-year-old peasant girl claiming divine visions, arrived on April 29, 1429, with reinforcements of about 400 men; her leadership inspired a rapid series of sorties, including the recapture of English-held bridges and bastions, culminating in the English abandonment of their camps after sustaining heavy losses in assaults on May 6 and 7. This victory, achieved with minimal French casualties relative to the English toll of over 2,000 dead or captured during the siege's final phase, boosted national resolve, enabled Charles VII's subsequent coronation at Reims, and foreshadowed French reconquests that eroded English continental holdings by 1453.

1601–1900

On May 8, 1792, President signed the Militia Acts into law, requiring able-bodied white male citizens aged 18 to 45 to enroll in state and authorizing the president to call up to 15,000 militiamen for federal service, marking an early federal effort to standardize military readiness amid threats from Native American tribes and European powers. The occurred on May 8, 1846, when U.S. Army forces under General , numbering about 2,300 men with superior , clashed with a larger Mexican force of roughly 3,700 under General on open prairie near present-day ; the engagement, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War, ended in a U.S. tactical victory with Mexican casualties exceeding 300 killed or wounded compared to fewer than a dozen American losses, primarily due to effective flying tactics that neutralized Mexican and charges. On May 8, 1886, pharmacist sold the first glass of at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, marketing the carbonated beverage—initially containing coca leaf extract and —as a non-alcoholic tonic for headaches and fatigue, with sales averaging nine glasses per day in its debut year before Asa Candler acquired and expanded the formula commercially.

1901–present

On May 8, 1902, on the island of erupted violently, pyroclastic flows destroying the town of Saint-Pierre and killing approximately 30,000 people, marking the deadliest volcanic event of the . The commenced on May 8, 1942, during , as U.S. and Australian naval forces engaged Japanese carriers in the first battle conducted entirely by aircraft, resulting in a strategic Allied victory that halted Japan's southward expansion and inflicted Japan's first major naval defeat. May 8, 1945, is celebrated as , when Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender took effect at 23:01 , formally ending hostilities in the European theater of after nearly six years of conflict. The World Health Organization's 33rd declared on May 8, 1980, that had been eradicated globally, following the last natural case in 1977 and intensive vaccination campaigns that eliminated the variola virus from human populations. South Africa's adopted a new on May 8, 1996, which enshrined equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, effectively dismantling the legal framework of and establishing a foundation for post-apartheid governance. On May 8, 2018, U.S. President announced the ' withdrawal from the (JCPOA), the 2015 multilateral agreement limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, citing the deal's failure to address Iran's ballistic missiles, regional activities, and sunset clauses.

Deaths

Pre-1600

The siege of , a decisive episode in the between and , ended on May 8, 1429, when troops forced the withdrawal of besieging English forces, marking a turning point that halted English advances and restored French momentum. The English, under the , had invested the city—a key stronghold controlling access to —beginning October 12, 1428, with approximately 5,000 troops establishing fortified positions around the perimeter to starve out the 2,400 defenders and civilians. , a 17-year-old peasant girl claiming divine visions, arrived on April 29, 1429, with reinforcements of about 400 men; her leadership inspired a rapid series of sorties, including the recapture of English-held bridges and bastions, culminating in the English abandonment of their camps after sustaining heavy losses in assaults on May 6 and 7. This victory, achieved with minimal French casualties relative to the English toll of over 2,000 dead or captured during the siege's final phase, boosted national resolve, enabled Charles VII's subsequent coronation at , and foreshadowed French reconquests that eroded English continental holdings by 1453.

1601–1900

On May 8, 1792, President signed the Militia Acts into law, requiring able-bodied white male citizens aged 18 to 45 to enroll in state and authorizing the president to call up to 15,000 militiamen for federal service, marking an early federal effort to standardize military readiness amid threats from Native American tribes and European powers. The occurred on May 8, 1846, when U.S. Army forces under General , numbering about 2,300 men with superior , clashed with a larger Mexican force of roughly 3,700 under General on open prairie near present-day ; the engagement, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War, ended in a U.S. tactical victory with Mexican casualties exceeding 300 killed or wounded compared to fewer than a dozen American losses, primarily due to effective flying tactics that neutralized Mexican and charges. On May 8, 1886, pharmacist sold the first glass of at Jacobs' Pharmacy in , , marketing the carbonated beverage—initially containing coca leaf extract and —as a non-alcoholic for headaches and fatigue, with sales averaging nine glasses per day in its debut year before Asa Candler acquired and expanded the formula commercially.

1901–present

On May 8, 1902, on the island of erupted violently, pyroclastic flows destroying the town of Saint-Pierre and killing approximately 30,000 people, marking the deadliest volcanic event of the . The commenced on May 8, 1942, during , as U.S. and Australian naval forces engaged Japanese carriers in the first battle conducted entirely by aircraft, resulting in a strategic Allied victory that halted Japan's southward expansion and inflicted Japan's first major naval defeat. May 8, 1945, is celebrated as , when Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender took effect at 23:01 , formally ending hostilities in the European theater of after nearly six years of conflict. The World Health Organization's 33rd declared on May 8, 1980, that had been eradicated globally, following the last natural case in 1977 and intensive vaccination campaigns that eliminated the variola virus from human populations. South Africa's adopted a new on May 8, 1996, which enshrined equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, effectively dismantling the legal framework of and establishing a foundation for post-apartheid governance. On May 8, 2018, U.S. President announced the ' withdrawal from the (JCPOA), the 2015 multilateral agreement limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, citing the deal's failure to address Iran's ballistic missiles, regional activities, and sunset clauses.

Holidays and observances

Religious observances

In the Roman Catholic Church, May 8 marks the feast of the of Saint Michael the Archangel, commemorating events traditionally dated to 492 AD at Monte Gargano, . According to hagiographical accounts, the archangel appeared multiple times to Bishop Lawrence of Siponto, first in a vision warning of a threat to local herdsmen, then instructing the bishop to dedicate a church on the mountain site after a miraculous struck the rock, revealing a . This apparition led to the construction of the , a Benedictine that became a key pilgrimage destination during the , associated with healings and military invocations, including by and crusaders. The feast emphasizes Saint Michael's role as protector against evil, with liturgical readings focusing on angelic . The day also honors several martyrs and confessors in the Catholic tradition, including (died circa 303 AD), a beheaded during the for refusing to sacrifice to Roman gods, as recorded in early martyrologies. Other commemorated figures include , a 7th-century known for monastic reforms, and , an early . These observances involve optional memorials in the General , with veneration varying by diocese. In the , May 8 (on the , corresponding variably to Gregorian dates) features synaxes for saints such as (died 445 AD), an in renowned for and , who withdrew from court life to pursue in the , influencing monastic practices. The day may also include references to the "Day of the Roses" or a related feast involving miraculous manna-like substance, per some liturgical traditions, though primary focus remains on patristic figures like the Wonderworker of Egypt. Observances include troparia hymns and icons depicting these ascetics. No fixed major observances occur on May 8 in , , or , though movable dates like (33rd day of the Omer count) occasionally align nearby in the , celebrating Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's legacy without direct tie to the Gregorian date. Buddhist , marking Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, sometimes falls around early May but follows lunar calculations, not fixed to May 8.

National and international holidays

, or VE Day, marks the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's on May 8, 1945, effective at 23:01 , signifying the end of active combat in on the European theater. It is observed as a in countries including (as Victoire 1945), the (as Den osvobození, ), and , with commemorative events in the and other former Allied nations such as and the . In Eastern European countries aligned with the , including Russia, is instead celebrated on May 9 due to the time zone difference affecting the surrender's announcement in . World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an annual international observance on May 8, established in 1948 to honor the birthday of (born May 8, 1828), the Swiss founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross and originator of the Geneva Convention principles for wartime . The day highlights the global network's efforts in disaster relief, health services, and conflict response, involving over 190 national societies and millions of volunteers.

Secular and awareness observances

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is commemorated each year on May 8, marking the birth anniversary of , founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. The observance recognizes the global humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including , health services, and for over 190 million people annually through its network of volunteers and staff. It emphasizes the movement's seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. World Ovarian Cancer Day falls on May 8, uniting advocacy groups worldwide to increase public knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, and the need for improved diagnostics and treatments. The date facilitates global campaigns, such as lighting landmarks in teal, to highlight that causes over 300,000 new cases and 200,000 deaths yearly, often due to late . The United Nations-designated International Day of Argania, established by General Assembly resolution in 2021, occurs on May 8 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco's arid ecosystems. This observance underscores the tree's role in combating , supporting , and providing economic benefits through production, which sustains rural livelihoods for approximately 2.2 million people in production areas.

References

  1. [1]
    May 8 National Days - Digital Hygge
    May 4, 2025 · May 8 is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 237 days until the end of the year.
  2. [2]
    Allied nations worldwide celebrate V-E Day | May 8, 1945 | HISTORY
    On May 8, 1945, Great Britain, the United States and other Allied countries celebrate Victory in Europe Day.
  3. [3]
    V-E Day: Victory in Europe | The National WWII Museum | New ...
    On May 8, 1945, thousands of people took to the streets in cities around the world to celebrate news of Germany's surrender and the end of World War II in ...
  4. [4]
    Victory in Europe (V-E) Day - Naval History and Heritage Command
    May 5, 2025 · Tuesday, 8 May 1945, was designated Victory in Europe (VE) Day by the United States and Great Britain, and continues to be commemorated on 8 May every year by ...
  5. [5]
    What You Need To Know About VE Day 8 May 1945
    Churchill addressed the nation​​ Churchill waves to crowds in Whitehall on the day he broadcast to the nation that the war with Germany had been won, 8 May 1945. ...Edmund Blunden: A victory... · Who Were The Women In The... · See object record
  6. [6]
    Today in History, May 8, 1945: The War Ends in Europe
    Mar 9, 2025 · Gen. Eisenhower informs me that the forces of Germany have surrendered to the United Nations. The flags of freedom fly all over Europe. For this victory we join ...
  7. [7]
    What Happened on May 8 - History.com
    Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto reaches the Mississippi · Militia Act establishes conscription under federal law · Future president Zachary Taylor fights ...
  8. [8]
    May 8 Holidays and Observances, Events, History, Recipe and More!
    Truman Day - May 8, 2025 (On or around May 8); V-E Day; White Lotus Day; World Donkey Day; World Ovarian Cancer Day; World Red Cross Day.
  9. [9]
    Siege of Orléans - British Battles
    War: Hundred Years War. Date of the Siege of Orléans: October 1428 to May 1429. Place of the Siege of Orléans: City of Orléans in central France. Combatants ...
  10. [10]
    Joan of Arc and the Siege of Orleans - Warfare History Network
    The English siege of Orleans began in October 1428 and lasted seven months. French commander Joan of Arc broke it in seven days.Missing: sources | Show results with:sources
  11. [11]
    Hundred Years' War: Joan of Arc and the Siege of Orléans - HistoryNet
    Apr 6, 2018 · In the marketplace within the gray walls of Rouen, Normandy, on May 30, 1431, in the shadows of the cathedral and guild shops, ...Missing: reliable | Show results with:reliable
  12. [12]
    Battle of Palo Alto | Summary, Results, & Casualties - Britannica
    Sep 26, 2025 · The Battle of Palo Alto, the first clash of the Mexican-American War, occurred May 8, 1846, in present-day Texas. Mexican forces suffered ...
  13. [13]
    Battle of Palo Alto: First Major Engagement of the Mexican War
    Aug 21, 2023 · The battle of Palo Alto, the first major engagement of the Mexican War, was fought north of Brownsville on May 8, 1846.
  14. [14]
    Future president Zachary Taylor fights the Battle of Palo Alto
    On May 8, 1846, Zachary Taylor defeated a superior Mexican force at Palo Alto with 200 soldiers, before the US formally declared war.
  15. [15]
    History - The Coca-Cola Company
    On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton brought his perfected syrup to Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta where the first glass of Coca‑Cola was poured.Coca-Cola's Formula · The Birth of a Refreshing Idea · Coca-Cola’s Sustainability...
  16. [16]
    World's First Coca-Cola was Served - This Month in Business History
    On May 8, 1886, the world's first Coca-Cola was served at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the creation of Dr. John Pemberton as a tonic for common ...
  17. [17]
    This Month in History: May
    ... May 8. May 8, 1942 - During World War II in the Pacific, the Battle of the Coral Sea began in which Japan would suffer its first defeat of the war. The ...
  18. [18]
    On This Day - What Happened on May 8 | Britannica
    On this day in 1502, master navigator and admiral Christopher Columbus, long considered the “discoverer” of the New World, set sail from Cádiz, Spain, on his ...
  19. [19]
    The global eradication of smallpox - PubMed
    On May 8, 1980, the 33rd World Health Assembly declared the world free of smallpox. This followed approximately 2 1/2 years after the last documented naturally ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  20. [20]
    This Day in History: May 8 - WHNT.com
    May 8, 2022 · On May 8, 1996, South Africa took another step from apartheid to democracy by adopting a constitution that guaranteed equal rights for Blacks and whites.<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Trump Abandons Iran Nuclear Deal He Long Scorned
    May 8, 2018 · President Trump declared on Tuesday that he was withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, unraveling the signature foreign policy achievement of his predecessor ...
  22. [22]
    President Donald J. Trump is Ending United States Participation in ...
    May 8, 2018 · The JCPOA enriched the Iranian regime and enabled its malign behavior, while at best delaying its ability to pursue nuclear weapons and allowing ...
  23. [23]
    Feast of the Apparition of St Michael the Archangel – May 8
    May 8, 2025 · Traditionally in the Liturgy of the Church there are two feasts of St. Michael in the Universal Calendar: May 8 and September 29.
  24. [24]
    Thursday of the Third Week of Easter - May 08, 2025 - Catholic Culture
    May 8, 2025 · Today the Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Acathius (d. 303), a priest at Sebaste, Armenia, during Diocletian's persecution.<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    https://catholicsaints.mobi/calendar/8-may.htm
  26. [26]
    Multi-Faith Calendar of Religious Holy Days - Xavier University
    This multi-faith calendar includes religious holy days and observances for 2024. Calendar entries include Baháʼí, Buddhist, Christian/Catholic, Eastern Orthodox ...
  27. [27]
    V-E Day around the world in 2026 - Office Holidays
    V-E Day around the world in 2026 · Czech Republic · France · French Guiana · French Polynesia · Germany · Guadeloupe · Martinique · New Caledonia ...
  28. [28]
    Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) | May 8 - National Day Calendar
    May 8, 1945: The surrender takes effect, leading to celebrations across Europe and North America. May 9, 1945: Soviet Union and some Eastern European countries ...
  29. [29]
    World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day | IFRC
    The first 'International Red Cross Day', as it used to be known, was celebrated on 8 May 1948. The official title of the day changed over time and became known ...
  30. [30]
    Message on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day - ICRC
    May 8, 2025 · Message on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. 8 May 2025. Switzerland · International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement · How we work with ...
  31. [31]
    WORLD RED CROSS DAY - May 8 - National Day Calendar
    Every year May 8 is celebrated as World Red Cross Day to honor the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant.
  32. [32]
    World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: 8 May is a chance ... - IFRC
    May 7, 2024 · This Wednesday, 8 May, is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day. Sixteen million volunteers and staff across our network will reflect on 12 months of activity.
  33. [33]
    https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2024/world-red-cross-and-red-crescent-day-in-honor-of-red-crossers-who-reconnect-families-around-the-globe.html
  34. [34]
    What is World Ovarian Cancer Day?
    May 8, 2025 · May 8 – World Ovarian Cancer Day, is the one day of the year we globally raise our voices in solidarity in the fight against ovarian cancer.
  35. [35]
    List of International Days and Weeks | United Nations
    08 May. International Day of Argania (A/RES/75/262). 10 May. World ... International Albinism Awareness Day (A/RES/69/170). 13 Jun. World Blood Donor ...