Bike to Work and Bike to School Day
National Bike to Work Day and National Bike to School Day are annual events in the United States that promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly, and fun mode of transportation. These events encourage both adults and children to consider biking as a viable commuting option. Although traditionally celebrated separately, there is a trend toward combining them on the same day to amplify their impact and participation.
Cherry Cobbler Day
Cherry cobbler typically consists of a fruit filling made with sweet or tart cherries, sugar, and sometimes a bit of lemon juice or cinnamon for added flavor. The filling is then topped with a biscuit, pie crust, or cake-like batter and baked until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
May 17th has been a notable date in history for various significant events across different fields, including politics, civil rights, science, and sports.
Political and Civil Rights Events
1954: Brown v. Board of Education
Event: The U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.
Significance: The decision declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the “separate but equal” doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson. This ruling was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and helped pave the way for further desegregation and equality efforts in the United States.
Scientific and Technological Advances
1961: Alan Shepard’s Congressional Address
Event: Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut to travel into space, addressed a joint session of Congress.
Significance: Shepard’s flight on May 5, 1961, was a pivotal moment in the Space Race. His address to Congress highlighted the achievements of NASA and emphasized the importance of continued investment in space exploration.
Cultural and Social Milestones
1973: Watergate Hearings Begin
Event: The Senate Watergate Committee began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.
Significance: The hearings were a crucial part of the investigation into the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by members of the Nixon administration. The scandal eventually led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.
1990: WHO Removes Homosexuality from Mental Disorders List
Event: The World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Significance: This decision was a significant step in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and helped reduce the stigma associated with homosexuality.
Sports Achievements
2004: Massachusetts Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Event: Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Significance: This landmark decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court set a precedent for other states and was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.
Notable Birthdays
1749: Edward Jenner
Notable Figure: Edward Jenner, an English physician and scientist who pioneered the smallpox vaccine, the world’s first vaccine.
Significance: Jenner’s work laid the foundation for modern immunology and has saved countless lives by eradicating smallpox.
1866: Erik Satie
Notable Figure: Erik Satie, a French composer and pianist.
Significance: Satie was a key figure in the Parisian avant-garde and is known for his unconventional and influential compositions, which paved the way for later musical movements like minimalism and surrealism.
1936: Dennis Hopper
Notable Figure: Dennis Hopper, an American actor, filmmaker, and artist.
Significance: Hopper was a cultural icon known for his roles in films such as “Easy Rider,” “Apocalypse Now,” and “Blue Velvet.”
