MEMORIAL DAY
Each year in the United States, Americans observe the Federal holiday, Memorial Day, the last Monday in May. It honors and remembers all men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day is also a day to remember all loved ones who have passed away. Learn more...
NATIONAL BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE DAY
On May 26th, two of the calendar's favorite foods come together on National Blueberry Cheesecake Day. We've scattered blueberries and cheesecakes throughout these pages in scrumptious celebration. But one day a year they join forces in perfect, delicious harmony. Read more...
NATIONAL PAPER AIRPLANE DAY
On May 26th each year, National Paper Airplane Day honors the simple aeronautical toy that has been around for thousands of years. Fold proper...
Coming on May 27, 2025
National Days
NATIONAL GRAPE DAY
NATIONAL GRAPE POPSICLE DAY
NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY
May 26th Celebrated History
1865
American Civil War officially ends when General Simon Bolivar Buckner of the Army of Trans-Mississippi enters terms of surrender.
1897
Author Bram Stoker publishes Dracula. The book launches Gothic Fiction as a genre and stirred the world's fascination with vampires.
1938
Congressman Martin Dies Jr. establishes the House Un-American Activities Committee to investigate Americans' communist activities.
2021
A full super moon and lunar eclipse displays during the early morning hours across the western United States.
May 26th Celebrated Birthdays
Dorothea Lange - 1895
The American photographer and photojournalist documented The Great Depression in the United States with photography. One of her most iconic images is Migrant Mother, a photo of Florence Owens Thompson, a young mother facing a stark reality that defined the era.
Aaron Douglas - 1899
A prominent artist during the Harlem Renaissance, Aaron Douglas illustrated several novels, Harper’s and Vanity Fair. He also created several murals around the country including Fisk University in Nashville and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York. Visit www.nga.gov to view Into Bondage (1936).
Marion Mitchell Morrison - 1907
Marion Mitchell Morrison, otherwise known as John Wayne, began his acting career under the guidance of director John Ford. Noted for his Westerns, John Wayne also took on war and political dramas. Nominated for three Academy Awards, The Duke would earn Best Actor for the Western True Grit in 1969.
Peggy Lee - 1920
Jazz singer, Peggy Lee, shared her Fever for music and got her big break when she began to sing for Benny Goodman. Nominated for 12 Grammys, Lee won for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance for “Is That All There Is?” in 1969. In 1999, Lee was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Miles Davis - 1926
The award-winning American jazz musician gained recognition in the 1970s for his performances and recordings. His innovative style gained him respect, and his music still influences artists today.
Stevie Nicks - 1948
Solo artist, Stevie Nicks, is best known for her vocals with the band Fleetwood Mac.
Sally Ride - 1951
In June 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. Aboard the space shuttle Challenger, Ride completed a week-long mission launching communication satellites. She later would become a champion of science education.
