What’s Happening Today?

World Ovarian Cancer Day. It aims to create a community where those living with ovarian cancer, survivors, their families and friends can unite, share their experiences and help educate the public about this deadly disease. It is observed by hospitals, cancer support organizations and communities worldwide.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This important day is observed on the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross. It celebrates the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and today people pay tribute to Red Cross volunteers for their contribution in helping those in need.

The Red Cross aims to inspire, initiate and encourage all kinds of humanitarian activities under all circumstances and at all times. The Red Cross is popularly known for unconditionally helping casualties in wars all over the world.

Victory in Europe Day. This is a day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II, of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8th, 1945, marking the end of the worst and most destructive war in modern European history.

What Happened Today?

1. In 1886, Coca Cola, arguably the world’s most popular beverage was invented when Dr John Styth Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist produced the syrup in a brass pot in his backyard. It was first intended as a patent medicine. Today, Coca Cola is one of the world’s most popular soft drinks and one of the most recognized trademarks.

2. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the eradication of smallpox following a global immunization campaign. The last confirmed naturally caused case of smallpox was in Somalia in 1977, and the last remaining stocks of live variola virus, the germ responsible for causing the disease were later destroyed. It is considered one of the biggest achievements in world public health.

3. In 1978, Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler climbed Mount Everest without oxygen supply. The Italian and Austrian mountaineers’ ascent happened at a time when it was considered impossible to conquer the world’s highest mountain without supplementary oxygen.