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22 fun facts for May, 26

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 26th is marked by various significant events, such as the release of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" in 1897, the launch of Apollo 10 in 1969, and Ireland's legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015. The day also features numerous national and international celebrations, including National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, Paper Airplane Day, and World Lindy Hop Day.
22 Fun facts
  1. On May 26, 1896, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was first published by Charles Dow, covering 12 stocks in total. This index went on to become one of the most referenced financial benchmarks globally, representing the U.S. economy's health.
  2. May 26, 1897, marked the first publication of Bram Stoker's gothic horror novel "Dracula"- an iconic work of literature that has inspired countless adaptations and interpretations over the years.
  3. On May 26, 1927, the last Model T was assembled in the Ford automobile factory. This car revolutionized the automobile industry with its assembly line method of production, making it possible for ordinary Americans to afford private transportation.
  4. On May 26, 1938, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was established in the United States House of Representatives. The committee investigated alleged subversive activities from American citizens and organizations, particularly ties to Communist ideologies.
  5. May 26, 1940, marked the beginning of the evacuation of Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo) during World War II. In this historic event, over 338,000 Allied soldiers were rescued from the French port of Dunkirk after being encircled by German forces.
  6. On May 26, 1954, the world's first nuclear power station was authorized by the U.S. Congress. This decision marked the progression of human civilization's increasing reliance on nuclear energy as a primary power source.
  7. On May 26, 1961, Amnesty International was founded by lawyer Peter Benenson. The organization aims to protect and advocate for human rights worldwide, addressing various forms of injustice and abuse.
  8. May 26, 1969, marked the launch of Apollo 10, the U.S. space mission that paved the way for the Apollo 11 moon landing. The mission tested various procedures and equipment, proving that a human could land on the moon safely.
  9. On May 26, 1972, the first Watergate break-in occurred. The scandal ultimately led to President Richard Nixon's resignation and exposed various political and financial abuses within the U.S. political system.
  10. On May 26, 1977, the blockbuster movie "Star Wars" premiered, changing the landscape of filmmaking and inspiring generations of fans worldwide. The movie spawned multiple sequels, prequels, and spin-offs over the years.
  11. On May 26, 1978, the first legal casino outside of Nevada opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This decision allowed for the rapid expansion of legalized gambling across the United States.
  12. On May 26, 1991, a devastating earthquake struck the town of Racha, Georgia, claiming the lives of 270 people and injuring countless others. This natural disaster had a lasting impact on the region and its inhabitants.
  13. On May 26, 1994, the U.S. Postal Service released a stamp featuring rock legend Elvis Presley. The stamp became one of the most popular commemorative stamps in history, earning millions of dollars for the postal service.
  14. May 26 marks National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, an unofficial American holiday. Blueberry cheesecake is a popular dessert in the United States, and this day is dedicated to celebrating and enjoying this delicious treat.
  15. In South Africa, May 26 is National Paper Airplane Day. People all over the country are encouraged to fold and launch paper airplanes, appreciating the simple joys and creative aspects of this nostalgic pastime.
  16. On May 26, 2004, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) launched its first-ever charitable gift fund, the NYSE Foundation. The fund was established to support a variety of charitable organizations and initiatives globally.
  17. On May 26, 2006, the film "X-Men: The Last Stand" was released in the United States. The film was the third installment in the popular X-Men franchise and earned over $400 million at the box office worldwide.
  18. May 26 is National Cherry Dessert Day, another fun food holiday in the United States. People across the country indulge in various cherry-flavored treats to celebrate this day.
  19. May 26 is also World Lindy Hop Day, celebrating the energetic American dance that emerged during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. The Lindy Hop is known for its expressive movements and lively music, and enthusiasts across the globe mark this day with workshops, performances, and events.
  20. On May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi was sworn in as India's 15th Prime Minister, following a landslide victory in the general elections. Modi's administration continues to address various economic, social, and diplomatic matters across India.
  21. On May 26, 2015, the Republic of Ireland became the first nation globally to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular referendum. The vote demonstrated significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in the predominantly Catholic country.
  22. May 26 is National Sorry Day in Australia. The day marks the historical mistreatment of Indigenous Australians and is intended to foster a dialogue of reconciliation and healing among the nation's various communities.

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