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33 fun facts for May, 2

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
May 2nd marks many important events and milestones, such as the first publication of the King James Bible, the birth of Princess Charlotte, and the first-ever World Tuna Day. This date is also a day for celebration, with observances such as International Harry Potter Day, Golfer's Day, and National Brothers and Sisters Day.
33 Fun facts
  1. On May 2, 1611, the King James Version of the Bible was first published in London. This landmark English translation has since become the most widely read Bible version in the world.
  2. In 1763, the first balloon ascent with a payload was launched on May 2nd. Jacques Charles, a Frenchman, built a small hydrogen-filled balloon, which rose to an altitude of about 3,000 feet, carrying a small barometer for scientific purposes.
  3. May 2nd is National Truffle Day in the United States, dedicated to honoring the edible fungi known as truffles, considered a culinary delicacy, and used in various dishes to enhance their flavor.
  4. On May 2nd, 1863, General Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by his own Confederate troops during the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. He lost his left arm to amputation but died from pneumonia eight days later.
  5. In 1933, the Loch Ness Monster was reportedly sighted for the first time by a Scottish couple named John and Aldie Mackay on May 2nd. This event led to the popularization of the cryptozoological creature as a part of Scottish folklore.
  6. On May 2, 1952, the world's first commercial jet airliner, a British-built De Havilland Comet, took off from London to Johannesburg, marking the beginning of a new era in international air travel.
  7. On May 2nd, 1953, Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright Tennessee Williams' play "Camino Real" premiered at the experimental Actor's Studio in New York City.
  8. On May 2nd, 1972, J. Edgar Hoover, the first-ever director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), passed away. Hoover served as the director for an incredible 48 years from 1924 until his death.
  9. In 1974, on May 2nd, the 36-story high-rise building WTC-4 (South Plaza Building) opened at the World Trade Center in New York City.
  10. "Cats," one of Broadway's longest-running and most successful musicals, premiered on May 2nd, 1982, in London. It went on to inspire millions of people around the world with its fantastic performances.
  11. On May 2nd, 1983, the first Microsoft Word software was released. This revolutionary word-processing program has since evolved over the years and remains one of the most popular tools for creating documents.
  12. In 1990, May 2nd saw the unification of the North and South Yemen, creating the Republic of Yemen which exists today. The process towards unification began in 1988, leading to the signing of the agreement two years later.
  13. On May 2nd, 1994, the "Chunnel," an underwater rail tunnel connecting England and France, officially opened. The Channel Tunnel is now a vital gateway for trade, travel, and cultural exchange between these two European nations.
  14. May 2nd, 1997 witnessed the United Kingdom hold general elections, which resulted in the Labour Party's Tony Blair becoming Prime Minister. Blair went on to serve three consecutive terms until his resignation in 2007.
  15. On May 2nd, 2000, the global positioning system (GPS) became accessible to the public. Before this date, the GPS system had been restricted mainly to military use.
  16. The first World Tuna Day was celebrated on May 2nd, 2011. The United Nations established this day to raise awareness about the significance of tuna to sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and the livelihoods of people worldwide.
  17. In 2012, on May 2nd, the European Central Bank suspended the review of monetary policy to preserve price stability, which allowed central banks to act independently from political interference.
  18. On May 2nd, 2014, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture took place in Washington, D.C. The museum opened to the public in September 2016.
  19. On May 2nd, 2015, the Royal Baby, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, was born to Prince William and Kate Middleton. Princess Charlotte is fourth in line to the British throne.
  20. May 2 is the feast day of St. Athanasius, a revered theologian and former Bishop of Alexandria. His writings and teachings made significant contributions to the Christian faith by challenging heretical views and defending the divinity of Jesus Christ.
  21. In 2016, on May 2nd, the innovative solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse 2 completed a three-day flight across the Pacific Ocean, with Swiss pilot Bertrand Piccard onboard.
  22. May 2nd, 2017, saw the launch of the first-ever World PPH Day to build global awareness of postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality. This day aims to advocate for effective interventions to prevent and manage postpartum hemorrhage and save women's lives.
  23. May 2nd is observed as National Brothers and Sisters Day in the United States. This day celebrates the special bond between siblings and encourages people to stay connected with their brothers and sisters.
  24. Each year on May 2nd, the planet Mars reaches "opposition," when it is lined up directly opposite the sun, resulting in ideal viewing conditions for astronomers and stargazers.
  25. On May 2nd, 2018, Armenia’s Parliament elected opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister, marking a peaceful transition of power after several weeks of mass protests.
  26. May 2nd, 1892 marked the foundation of the General Electric Company. Co-founded by Thomas Edison, GE has become a leading global technology and services conglomerate over its 130-year history.
  27. On May 2nd, 1936, the famous American boxer Joe Louis made his professional boxing debut. He would later become heavyweight champion, holding the title for more than 11 years and becoming a national hero.
  28. In 1969, on May 2nd, the iconic British rock band The Beatles held their last ever public photo session together at John Lennon's home in Tittenhurst Park, England.
  29. May 2nd is Golfer's Day in the United States. This day honors the sport and those who enjoy playing golf, encouraging people to hit the greens and celebrate their love for the game.
  30. On May 2nd, 1998, after more than three decades of service, Italian football legend Dino Zoff retired as a manager. Zoff held a successful career both as a player and as a manager, including winning the 1982 World Cup as Italy's goalkeeper.
  31. May 2nd, 1519 marked the death of the legendary Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci. Best known for his paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, he also made significant contributions to science, engineering, and architecture.
  32. In 2019, on May 2nd, the world's first malaria vaccine was launched in Malawi as a pilot program to immunize children under two years old. The vaccine, known as RTS,S or Mosquirix, was developed to help reduce the global burden of this deadly disease.
  33. May 2nd is International Harry Potter Day, commemorating the Battle of Hogwarts, a fictional event from the popular book series by J.K. Rowling. Fans around the world often celebrate this day by hosting events and re-reading their favorite books.

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