Today in History – May 8: Marking V-E Day and Other Major Moments

On this day, May 8, 1945, the world witnessed a historic turning point—Victory in Europe Day. U.S. President Harry S. Truman took to the radio to announce Nazi Germany’s surrender, signaling the end of World War II in Europe. In his words, “the flags of freedom fly all over Europe,” as people across Allied nations celebrated the hard-won peace.

But May 8 marks more than just the end of a war. Here are some other remarkable events that happened on this date throughout history:

Significant Moments in History

• 1541 – The Mississippi Discovered: Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto became the first European known to reach the Mississippi River, opening the door to further exploration of the North American interior.
• 1846 – First Major Battle of the Mexican-American War: Near what is now Brownsville, Texas, U.S. forces under Gen. Zachary Taylor defeated Mexican troops, marking the beginning of a conflict that would reshape the U.S.-Mexico border.
• 1886 – Coca-Cola’s First Pour: At an Atlanta pharmacy, the first glass of Coca-Cola was served—originally containing cocaine. The formula would evolve over time, becoming completely cocaine-free by 1929.
• 1973 – End of the Wounded Knee Occupation: After a 10-week standoff, members of the American Indian Movement and the Oglala Lakota tribe surrendered to federal agents in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, a powerful moment in Native American civil rights history.
• 1978 – “Son of Sam” Killer Pleads Guilty: David Berkowitz, who terrorized New York City with a series of deadly shootings, pleaded guilty in a Brooklyn courtroom to multiple charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault. He would receive six life sentences.
• 1984 – Cold War Tensions at the Olympics: The Soviet Union announced its boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, deepening Cold War rivalries and echoing the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games.
• 2020 – Pandemic Job Losses Surge: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. unemployment rate soared to 14.7%, the worst since the Great Depression. Over 20 million jobs were lost in April, reflecting the immense economic strain caused by global shutdowns.

From world wars and explorations to social movements and economic upheavals, May 8 stands as a date of major historical consequence. It’s a day to reflect on battles fought, freedoms gained, and the complex stories that continue to shape our world.