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August 5, 2024 Holiday:

Summer Bank Holiday

Summer Bank Holiday is a wonderful time to unwind and enjoy the warm weather with loved ones! This public holiday is a chance for people to take a break from their daily routines and indulge in outdoor activities, such as picnics, barbecues, and trips to the beach or countryside. Many people also use this opportunity to catch up with friends and family, or simply relax and recharge. Traditionally, Summer Bank Holiday is associated with outdoor events, festivals, and fairs, which add to the festive atmosphere. Overall, it's a joyous celebration that marks the peak of summer and provides a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Learn more about Summer Bank Holiday
Holidays on August 5, 2024:

Terry Fox Day

Terry Fox Day, August 5, 2024: Honoring Terry Fox's courageous battle against cancer and inspiring a nation with his unwavering determination and resilience. more >>

National Oyster Day

National Oyster Day, August 5, 2024, indulge in oyster dishes, special deals, and savor the flavor! more >>

National Underwear Day

National Underwear Day, 8/5/2024: Embrace comfort, confidence, and self-acceptance on this fun and empowering holiday promoting body positivity and self-love. more >>

Natal Day

Natal Day, August 5, 2024: Join the joyous celebration honoring a city or province's founding, with parades, music, and cultural events. more >>

British Columbia Day

British Columbia Day, August 5, 2024: Discover the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities of British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. more >>

New South Wales Bank Holiday

New South Wales Bank Holiday on 8/5/2024: A day to unwind, recharge and refocus with family and friends. more >>

Work Like a Dog Day

Work Like a Dog Day, 8/5/2024, honor colleagues, friends & family who go above & beyond, boosting morale & motivation. more >>

Start-Up Day Across America

Start-Up Day Across America, 8/5/2024: Honoring innovation, entrepreneurship, and the spirit of startups driving economic growth and job creation. more >>

Civic/Provincial Day

Civic/Provincial Day, 8/5/2024: Discover local culture, history, and traditions through vibrant parades, music, dance, and cuisine. more >>
Birthdays on August 5:

Neil Armstrong

Died in 2012, aged 82

First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.

Maureen McCormick

68 Years Old

Best known for playing Marcia Brady on the iconic 1970s sitcom "The Brady Bunch," she's a beloved figure in American pop culture.

James Gunn

54 Years Old

A multi-talented creative force behind iconic superhero movies and TV shows, known for blending humor and action in his projects. He's the mastermind behind the Guardians of the Ga...

Jesse Williams

44 Years Old

An American actor, director, producer, and political activist, known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and advocating for social justice and civil rights. He's a prominent voice in t...

Patrick Ewing

62 Years Old

A legendary basketball Hall of Famer who dominated the court as a player and now coaches, known for his impressive shot-blocking skills and leading Georgetown University to a natio...

John Huston

Died in 1987, aged 81

A legendary filmmaker behind iconic movies like "The Maltese Falcon" and "The African Queen", known for his gritty, realistic storytelling and memorable characters.

Anthony Edwards

23 Years Old

NBA point guard and Olympic gold medalist known for his explosive athleticism and clutch performances. He's a Minnesota Timberwolves legend and 1996 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Marine Le Pen

56 Years Old

A French far-right politician and lawyer who has been a prominent figure in European politics, known for her nationalist and anti-immigration views.

Pete Burns

Died in 2016, aged 57

Lead singer of Dead or Alive, known for androgynous appearance and hit song "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)".

Wassily Leontief

Died in 1999, aged 93

Developed the input-output method, a mathematical approach to understand the interdependencies of different sectors in an economy, revolutionizing the field of economics.

Loni Anderson

79 Years Old

A blonde bombshell of 1980s television, starring as Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati" and later appearing in various films and TV shows. Known for her stunning lo...

Colin McRae

Died in 2007, aged 39

A Scottish rally driver who won the World Rally Championship in 1995 and was known for his aggressive and attacking driving style. He also had a popular video game series named aft...

Events from History on August 5:
62 years ago
Nelson Mandela imprisoned for fighting apartheid (Howick, Johannesburg, South Africa) 1962
Nelson Mandela, the courageous anti-apartheid revolutionary, found himself behind bars, his freedom snatched away by the ruthless South African government. The year was 1962, and Mandela's vocal opposition to the racist regime had reached a boiling point. As a prominent figure in the African National Congress, he had been secretly leading a guerrilla war against the government, and this bold move sealed his fate. The authorities finally caught up with him, and Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment, his name becoming synonymous with resistance against apartheid. Little did they know, this marked the beginning of a 28-year ordeal that would eventually lead to his triumphant release in 1990, and ultimately, to the presidency of South Africa.
61 years ago
United States, UK, and USSR sign Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (Moscow, Russia) 1963
In a landmark agreement, three Cold War behemoths put aside their differences, as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union signed the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, outlawing nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. This groundbreaking accord marked a significant step towards reducing the risk of nuclear war, signaling a thaw in the Cold War's icy grip. The treaty's signing was a major diplomatic victory for the Kennedy administration, as it effectively restricted the development of new nuclear weapons, fostering a sense of détente among the signatory nations.
80 years ago
Nazis slaughter 40,000-50,000 civilians and POWs in Wola, Poland (Wola, Warsaw, Poland) 1944
In the scorching summer of 1944, the Nazi war machine rolled into Wola, Poland, leaving a trail of unimaginable horror in its wake. Between August 5th and 12th, the German army, fueled by a toxic mix of racism and militarism, unleashed a week-long massacre of unimaginable ferocity. It's estimated that between 40,000 and 50,000 civilians and prisoners of war were brutally slaughtered, plunging the town into a abyss of despair and destruction. This unspeakable atrocity remains one of the darkest chapters of World War II, a grim reminder of humanity's capacity for cruelty and brutality.
60 years ago
U.S. Retaliates Against North Vietnam with Airstrikes (Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, Vietnam) 1964
In a dramatic show of force, American aircraft from the USS Ticonderoga and USS Constellation launched a series of airstrikes against North Vietnamese targets, marking a significant escalation of the Vietnam War. Dubbed Operation Pierce Arrow, the mission was a direct response to the North Vietnamese Navy's alleged attacks on U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. The intense bombing campaign, led by fighter jets and Skyhawk attack planes, targeted North Vietnamese naval facilities, fuel storage sites, and other strategic installations. This pivotal event marked one of the earliest and most significant direct involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War, foreshadowing the long and bloody conflict to come.
50 years ago
President Nixon's downfall: "Smoking Gun" tape revelations (White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20500, USA) 1974
In a stunning blow to the Nixon presidency, the "Smoking Gun" tape, recorded on June 23, 1972, is finally released, exposing the President's direct involvement in the Watergate cover-up. This bombshell evidence reveals Nixon's June 23, 1972, conversation with his aide, H.R. Haldeman, where he ordered the CIA to stop the FBI's investigation into the Watergate break-in, citing national security concerns. This recording directly links Nixon to the scandal, irreparably damaging his already fragile credibility. The Supreme Court's order to release the tape marks a devastating turning point, leaving Nixon with no choice but to resign or face impeachment.
142 years ago
Standard Oil Company of New Jersey founded (New Jersey, USA) 1882
Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, the entity that would eventually become ExxonMobil, was officially established on this day! John D. Rockefeller's vision of a unified oil empire took a significant step forward as this new company would grow to hold all Standard Oil companies, ultimately leading to its historic breakup. Little did they know that this humble beginning would eventually shape the global energy landscape.
Notable Deaths on August 5:
2000Alec Guinness Renowned actor with a prolific career in film and television.
2019Toni Morrison A celebrated author, Nobel laureate, and advocate for social justice
1984Richard Burton Acclaimed actor, captivating audiences on stage and screen
1901Victoria, Princess Royal German Empress Victoria, Princess Royal, wife of Frederick III
1983Judy Canova Beloved comedian and actress, bringing joy to audiences
2011Aziz Shavershian International bodybuilding sensation
2002Matt Robinson Multitalented actor, producer, and screenwriter with a creative flair.
1895Friedrich Engels German philosopher Friedrich Engels, known for his communist ideology
1991Paul Brown Coach and leader, inspiring greatness in his football teams
2022Cherie Gil A beloved actress with a successful film and television career
2012Chavela Vargas Mexican-Costa Rican singer-songwriter and actress
2022Issey Miyake Pioneering Japanese fashion designer known for innovative textile designs and comfortable clothing.
2013Shawn Burr Talented Canadian-American hockey player
1964Art Ross Decorated CanadianAmerican ice hockey player and coach who left a lasting legacy in the sport
2018Alan Rabinowitz A passionate conservationist and animal advocate
1991Soichiro Honda Visionary engineer and entrepreneur, revolutionizing the automotive industry
2022Dillon Quirke Talented Irish hurler who played a crucial role in the sport's development.
1983Joan Robinson Groundbreaking economist and author, shaping economic thought
2002Chick Hearn Iconic sportscaster who brought excitement to the world of sports.
2020Hawa Abdi A committed human rights activist and healthcare professional