NATIONAL STUDENT NURSE DAY
National Student Nurse Day takes part in National Nurses Week on May 8th. The day honors student nurses as they pursue a career in medicine. Learn more...
NATIONAL COCONUT CREAM PIE DAY
National Coconut Cream Pie Day on May 8th celebrates its own slice of deliciousness. This delicious pie is made with a sweet coconut cream filling. Pie lovers know a thick layer of real whipped cream topped with toasted coconut make this pie irresistible. Read more...
NATIONAL HAVE A COKE DAY
Each year on May 8th, millions of people across the country celebrate National Have a Coke Day. Coca-Cola, often referred to as Coke, is a carbonated soft drink produced by The Coca-Cola Company. Read more...
Coming on May 9, 2025
National Days
NATIONAL KNOCK OUT® ROSE DAY
NATIONAL MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY
NATIONAL SLEEPOVER DAY
NATIONAL HOME FRONT HEROES DAY
NATIONAL ALPHABET MAGNET DAY
NATIONAL PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY
NATIONAL MOSCATO DAY
NATIONAL BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIE DAY
NATIONAL LOST SOCK MEMORIAL DAY
May 8th Celebrated History
1877
The first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show opens at Gilmore's Gardens in New York City. Thirty-five breeds were represented by approximately 1,200 dogs.
1886
In Atlanta, Ga, Dr. John Pemberton launched his altered, alcohol-free tonic called Coca-Cola. In face of prohibition, Pemberton's elixir sold as a temperance drink, though another ingredient contained a form of cocaine (the coca plant is a source). Eventually, a process removing the cocaine from the coca leaves left Coca-Cola free of the schedule II drug.
1945
World War II in Europe officially comes to an end with the unconditional surrender of Germany. Victory in Japan would come three months later.
1999
Nancy Mace graduates from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. She is the first woman to graduate from the military college.
May 8th Celebrated Birthdays
Phillis Wheatley - 1753
While the exact date of her birth is uncertain, history records Phillis Wheatley as the first African American woman to publish a book of poems. She was educated by her Boston slave-holders and soon after the publication of her first book Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was emancipated.
Henry Dunant - 1828
In 1863, the Swiss businessman co-founded the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded. The organization is known today as the International Federation of the Red Cross.
Harry S. Truman - 1884
Harry S. Truman took office after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Within a few months, the war in Germany ended, atomic bombs ended the war in Japan, and the Cold War began.
In 1948, Truman famously defeated Thomas Dewey by a narrow margin for reelection. He set out to create social reform with his New Deal and supported the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Akebono Taro - 1969
The American-born sumo wrestler emigrated to Japan. In 1993, he became the first non-Japanese-born sumo wrestler to earn the rank of Yokozuna - the highest rank in Japan's national sport.
