Plant Something Day (United States)

Plant Something Day is a holiday that is celebrated in the United States every year on May 19. It encourages people to take a few minutes to plant something around them. It could be a flower, a tree, or an indoor plant. Any plant that grows would suffice. During the holiday, local businesses like nurseries and landscapers usually host community events to plant in public spaces together. People can plant at home, in schools, in parks, and in other community gardens. The planting initiates help to protect the environment and enhance the beauty of public spaces.

 

Birth Anniversary of St. John Paul II

 

St. John Paul II, born on 18 May 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, was born, Karol Józef Wojtyła. He was the third longest serving pope and the first non-Italian for 455 years who held office from 1978 to his death in 2005.

He was beatified on 1 May 2011; canonized 27 April 2014; and has his feast day on 22 October, a date chosen to remember the anniversary of the liturgical inauguration of his Papacy in 1978.

As part of his effort to promote greater understanding between nations and between religions, he undertook numerous trips abroad, traveling far greater distances than had all other popes combined, and he extended his influence beyond the church by campaigning against political oppression and criticizing the materialism of the West. He also issued several unprecedented apologies to groups that historically had been wronged by Catholics, most notably Jews and Muslims. His unabashed Polish nationalism and his emphasis on nonviolent political activism aided the Solidarity movement in communist Poland in the 1980s and ultimately contributed to the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. More generally, John Paul used his influence among Catholics and throughout the world to advance the recognition of human dignity and to deter the use of violence. His centralized style of church governance, however, dismayed some members of the clergy, who found it autocratic and stifling. He failed to reverse an overall decline in the numbers of priests and nuns, and his traditional interpretations of church teachings on personal and sexual morality alienated some segments of the laity.

International Child Helpline Day

International Child Helpline Day takes place on May 17 every year. The holiday is dedicated to celebrating the work of child helplines all around the world. The efforts of these workers ensure that children and youth in need are listened to and assisted in a timely manner. Millions of children contact the network of child helplines asking for support. Suggestions have been made through the analysis of child helpline data from 181 countries, to make policy changes for the improvement of children’s lives. Child helplines hold various activities and celebrations to highlight their work and achievements. This helps to enhance public awareness.

 

International Day of Living Together in Peace

 

Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.

The UN General-Assembly, in its resolution 72/130, declared 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace, as a means of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony. 

Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa's Death Anniversary

 

Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, who passed away on 15 May 1993, aged 94, in Bengaluru, was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army. A national hero with many firsts to his credit, he was instrumental in the transition of the Indian military from colonial to independent India and his legacy is still honoured today. Under his leadership, the Indian armed forces proved their mettle during a critical period of transition and a competent and capable military establishment was formed. Kodandera's election was a major turning point in the growth of India's independent defence sector. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of military personnel by highlighting the importance of discipline, leadership and dedication in serving the nation. 

Military career

Cariappa had a distinguished military career spanning nearly three decades. Joining the British Indian Army after World War I, he was commissioned as a temporary first lieutenant into the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry. Cariappa became the first Indian officer to attend the Staff College, Quetta, and later commanded the 1/7 Rajputs, making him the first Indian to lead a battalion. He served in various staff roles and commands, eventually becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. During World War II, Cariappa served in the Middle East and Burma, earning accolades for his leadership. His historic achievements include being the first Indian to command a battalion in the Indian Army.

Post-Independence, Cariappa assumed the role of deputy chief of the general staff. He orchestrated three successive attack operations—Kipper, Easy, and Bison—with the aim of reclaiming strategic areas like Naushera, Jhangar, Poonch, Zoji La, Dras, and Kargil. However, plans to expel Pakistani forces from Kashmir were thwarted by the United States' intervention. On July 6, 1948, the Army HQ imposed strict restrictions on conducting major operations without its authorization. Cariappa opposed this policy, warning that it endangered Leh, Kargil, and ultimately the Kashmir Valley, jeopardizing the nation's security.

 

 

 

 

First documented vaccination against smallpox

 

On May 14, 1796, the first documented vaccination against smallpox, by Edward Jenner, an English physician and scientist, took place. Jenner inoculated eight-year-old James Phipps with matter from a cowpox sore on the hand of milkmaid Sarah Nelmes. Phipps suffered a local reaction and felt poorly for several days but made a full recovery. In July 1796, Jenner inoculated Phipps with matter taken from a fresh human smallpox sore, as if he were variolating the boy, in an attempt to challenge the protection from cowpox. Phipps remained healthy. Jenner next demonstrated that cowpox matter transferred in a human chain, from one person to the next, provided protection from smallpox.

Jenner was not precisely sure about the nature of the cowpox material he used. He suspected that cowpox actually came from horsepox; in other words, he speculated that cows became infected with the same agent that caused a similar disease in horses. Recent genetic analysis of old samples of smallpox vaccine have revealed that the samples were more closely related to horsepox virus than cowpox virus. 

 

World Cocktail Day

World Cocktail Day takes place on May 13th every year, giving us a reason to raise our glasses and celebrate the art of mixology. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of mixed drinks, this day is for you. Mark your calendars because the fun happens annually on this date!

This special day commemorates the first definition of the word “cocktail” in 1806, appearing in The Balance and Columbian Repository. It’s a celebration of creativity, taste, and the joy of sharing a well-crafted drink with friends. From classic concoctions like the Martini and Mojito to innovative blends dreamed up by bartenders around the world, cocktails bring people together in cheers and camaraderie.