MAY IN HISTORY
Compiled by Chris Rowan

Mothers Day
In 1872 Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the lyrics to the Battle Hymn of the Republic proposed the idea of an observance day called Mothers for Peace Day. Although the original purpose was to promote peace, the idea evolved into having a day devoted to honoring motherhood. On May 9, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as a day of national observance, honoring the nation’s mothers.

Memorial Day
On May 5, 1866, residents of Waterloo, New York, gathered to honor Americans who died fighting for the Union in the Civil War. They called the event Memorial Day. It became a tradition and a national holiday (first observed on May 30, 1868). Memorial Day now commemorates all Americans who died in war and is observed on the last Monday in May.

On May 30, 1945, New York City held its last Memorial Day parade sponsored by Civil War veterans.

Firsts
In 1607 (on May 14) the first permanent English settlement in North America was established in Jamestown, Virginia.

On May 21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo transatlantic flight.

Firsts in Education
On May 3, in 1765 the first medical school in the 13 colonies opened in Philadelphia.

Other Events in American History
On May 25, 1787, the Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia.

Our Bloodiest War (the Civil War)
In 1862 (on May 22) the War Department authorized the recruitment of black soldiers.

In 1865 (on May 26) the last major Confederate forces surrendered in Texas.

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