May 15 is the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 230 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about May 15th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about May 15th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- The International Day Of Families
- International Kangaroo Care Day
- World Baking Day
- National Chocolate Chip Day
- International Day of Families
- National Straw Hat Day
- National Nylon Stocking Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – May 15
2006: Saddam Hussein was formally charged with crimes against humanity in 2006.
1948: Egypt, Syria, Transjordan and Iraq invade Israel
The First Arab-Israeli War was initiated by Israel’s proclamation of independence on the day before the invasion. It lasted nearly 10 months and caused thousands of casualties on both sides.
1940: The first McDonald’s fast food restaurant opens
Maurice “Mac” and Richard “Dick” McDonald opened McDonald’s Bar-B-Q in San Bernardino. Today, McDonald’s is the world’s largest fast food chain.
1930: The first airline stewardess goes on duty
Ellen Church and her team served snacks on a United Airlines flight from Oakland to Chicago. The flight attendants were also responsible for refueling the aircraft, handling luggage, and checking tickets.
1928: The first Mickey Mouse film is screened
The 6-minute film “Plane Crazy” directed by Walt Disney shows Mickey trying to fly an airplane in reference to Charles Lindbergh. Today, Mickey Mouse is one of the world’s most recognized cartoon characters and the official mascot of the Walt Disney Company.
1718: The world’s first machine gun is patented
British lawyer, James Puckle, invented the 25.4 mm caliber “Puckle Gun” for the use on ships. It was designed for two bullet types: round bullets for Christians and (more damaging) square bullets for Turks.
1970: What we’re seeing here is a British soldier in the Color Parade in 1970, who passed out literally as Queen Elizabeth and her guards were passing by.1970
1940: The first nylon stockings went on sale in the US in 1940.
1940: New Hampshire brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the very first McDonald’s in 1940, in San Bernardino, California.
1917: Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen 1917
1905: A man dressed as Nayenezgani, a Navajo Diety. Photo by Edward S. Curtis, c.1905.
1839: The oldest selfie was ever taken. The man in the picture is Robert Cornelius. 1839
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, May 15
1987: Andy Murray, Scottish tennis player
1981: Patrice Evra, French footballer
1948: Brian Eno, English singer-songwriter, keyboard player, producer
1856: L. Frank Baum, American author
1773: Klemens von Metternich, German/Austrian politician, 1st State Chancellor of the Austrian Empire
Andy Murray was born.
Madhuri Dixit was born.
Tenzingh Norgay was born.
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, May 15
2012: Carlos Fuentes, Mexican author
1978: Robert Menzies, Australian politician, 12th Prime Minister of Australia
1967: Edward Hopper, American painter
1956: Austin Osman Spare, English painter, magician
1886: Emily Dickinson, American poet
Emily Dickinson died.
Fred Willard died.
Kazimir Malevich died.
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