MAY DAY
May Day ushers in a traditional celebration of flowers and spring. In many ancient calendars, May 1 welcomed the first day of summer, which was truly a cause for celebration. Read more...
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS' DAY
School Principals' Day on May 1 is your reminder to take time to today and say thank you to the educational leaders who look after your children every day. After all, they guide academic success and set the tone for an entire school. Learn more...
SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY
We celebrate Silver Star Service Banner Day on May 1 in recognition for the sacrifices of American service members have made for our country. This day is for Americans to remember service members who have been wounded in combat, are sick, and those who are dying. Come celebrate our heroes...
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. This day observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” Discover more...
LAW DAY
The United States observes Law Day annually on May 1st as a day to encourage all Americans to reflect on the personal rights and liberties which are enjoyed and exercised daily. Read more...
NATIONAL MOTHER GOOSE DAY
National Mother Goose Day on May 1 honors the imaginary author of a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes we loved as children. Most of us remember Mother Goose as an elderly countrywoman in a tall hat and shawl, but she is sometimes seen as a goose wearing a bonnet. More right here...
NATIONAL LOYALTY DAY
Our message on May 1 is about recognizing our freedom as Americans and the loyalty we have to our country on National Loyalty Day. This National Day reminds us to honor our American heritage and the freedoms we have. Read more...
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PARFAIT DAY
We have a hard time resisting a sweet celebration for National Chocolate Parfait Day on May 1. The delicious layers of chocolate, cream, and more chocolate sweetly stacked together is enough to make us skip lunch and go straight to dessert. Learn more...
Coming on May 2, 2025
National Days
SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY
NATIONAL SKILLED TRADES DAY
NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE DAY
NATIONAL TRUFFLE DAY
NATIONAL INTERPRETER APPRECIATION DAY
May 1st Celebrated History
1840
The United Kingdom issued the world’s first adhesive postage stamp called the Penny Black. Sir Rowland Hill first proposed the idea back in 1837 as part of postal reform. At the time, the receiver bore the cost of postage upon delivery, and it could be costly depending on weight and the distance traveled. Fraud was also rampant. The Penny Black cost only a penny (as the name suggests) and the sender paid for the postage at the time of sending. The Penny Black featured a profile image of Queen Victoria. Soon, the idea of pre-paid postage spread around the world and across the pond to the United States.
1884
Catcher Moses Fleetwood Walker makes his major league baseball debut with Toledo of the Association League against Louisville. He is one of the first African Americans to play in the major leagues and when he leaves the league several months later, is the last until Jackie Robinson signs with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
1941
Orson Welles' award-winning film Citizen Kane premieres in New York City. Welles' also starred alongside Joseph Cotton and Dorothy Comingore in a story that follows the rise and fall of publishing magnate.
1971
Nearly 102 years after the transcontinental railroad was completed, Amtrak begins operation. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation is federally supported and provides intercity passenger train service in the United States.
May 1st Celebrated Birthday
Calamity Jane - 1852
Orphaned at a young age, Martha Jane Cannary grew up to be known as the legendary sharpshooter, Calamity Jane. She earned a notorious reputation in the Wild West of Deadwood, South Dakota, for her drunkenness, lawlessness, and relationships with wanted men, including Wild Bill Hickok. However, most of the stories surrounding her life are unverifiable. Later in her life, she would perform in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in 1893 and in the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.
Anna Jarvis - 1864
Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day in the United States, created the day to honor and fulfill her own mother's dream. As a result, the day celebrates mothers all over the country and the world.
Scott Carpenter - 1925
A pioneer in space exploration and a member of the Mercury 7 astronauts, Scott Carpenter, became the second American to orbit the Earth. Carpenter left the surface of land behind by being both an astronaut and aquanaut.
Max Robinson - 1939
In 1978, Max Robinson became the first African American broadcast network news anchor when he joined the ABC World News Tonight team.
Judy Collins - 1939
The American singer-songwriter achieved critical success in the 1960s and 70s with hits such as “Both Sides of Now” and “Send in the Clowns.”
