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May 14, 2026 Holiday:

Ascension Day

Ascension Day is a significant Christian holiday that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, as described in the New Testament. It's a celebration of Jesus' triumph over death and his return to God the Father, marking the end of his earthly ministry. On this day, many Christians attend special church services, often featuring processions, hymns, and prayers. In some countries, Ascension Day is also a public holiday, and people may take the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, or engage in outdoor activities. Overall, Ascension Day is a joyous occasion that reinforces the Christian faith and inspires believers to reflect on the significance of Jesus' life and teachings.

Learn more about Ascension Day
Holidays on May 14, 2026:

Online Romance Day

Online Romance Day, 5/14/2026, discover the power of technology in modern love stories and relationships. more >>

"The Stars and Stripes Forever" Day

Discover the truth behind "The Stars and Stripes Forever" Day on 5/14/2026. Is it a real holiday or a mistake? more >>

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day, 5/14/2026: Join the global tribute to these tiny, mighty canine companions, with stories, photos, and fundraising efforts for Chihuahua rescue organizations. more >>

Dance Like a Chicken Day

Dance Like a Chicken Day, 5/14/2026: Let loose and get silly with this lighthearted holiday, featuring chicken-inspired dance moves and playful fun! more >>

National Brioche Day

National Brioche Day, 5/14/2026, indulge in rich, buttery, flaky goodness of traditional French baking. more >>

National Buttermilk Biscuit Day

National Buttermilk Biscuit Day, May 14, 2026: Indulge in the comfort food that brings people together, with recipes, baking tips, and warm memories. more >>

International Dylan Thomas Day

International Dylan Thomas Day, May 14, 2026: Honor the Welsh poet's literary legacy through readings, festivals, and performances of his iconic works. more >>

Underground America Day

Discover the truth about Underground America Day on May 14th, 2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>
Birthdays on May 14:

Cate Blanchett

56 Years Old

Acclaimed for her versatility and range, she has captivated audiences with iconic roles in films like "Elizabeth" and "Blue Jasmine," earning numerous awards and nominations.

Rob Gronkowski

36 Years Old

Tight end who dominated the NFL with his impressive athleticism, catching skills, and charismatic personality, winning three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.

George Lucas

81 Years Old

Creator of the iconic Star Wars franchise, revolutionizing the sci-fi genre with groundbreaking storytelling and visual effects. Founded Lucasfilm, a pioneering production company.

Robert Zemeckis

73 Years Old

Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind iconic movies like Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away, blending groundbreaking visual effects with captivating storytelling.

Tim Roth

64 Years Old

A versatile actor and director, known for his intense performances in films like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, often playing quirky and unconventional characters.

Clay Matthews III

39 Years Old

Linebacker who played for the Green Bay Packers and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, known for his dominant pass-rushing skills and iconic long hair.

Bobby Darin

Died in 1973, aged 37

A versatile entertainer who blended jazz, pop, and folk to create a unique sound, and starred in films like "State Fair" and "Captain Newman, M.D."

David Byrne

73 Years Old

A legendary musician and artist, best known for his eclectic and influential music with Talking Heads, as well as his innovative and quirky solo work.

Sofia Coppola

54 Years Old

Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind atmospheric, introspective dramas like "Lost in Translation" and "Marie Antoinette", known for her nuanced portrayals of women and subtle sto...

Miranda Cosgrove

32 Years Old

Star of Nickelodeon's hit show "iCarly" and singer of catchy pop tunes like "Kissin' U".

Dan Auerbach

46 Years Old

Lead vocalist and guitarist of the blues-rock duo The Black Keys, known for his gritty, soulful voice and catchy guitar riffs. He's also a successful producer, working with artists...

Tony Pérez

83 Years Old

Cuban-American baseball legend who played 23 seasons, won two World Series championships, and managed the Cincinnati Reds to a World Series title in 1990. He's a seven-time All-Sta...

Events from History on May 14:
78 years ago
Israel declares independence, sparking Arab-Israeli War (Tel Aviv, Israel) 1948
In a bold move, David Ben-Gurion, the Zionist leader, stood in Tel Aviv's Museum Hall to declare the establishment of the State of Israel, marking a historic moment for the Jewish people. The room erupted in cheers and tears as the dream of a homeland was finally realized. However, the jubilation was short-lived as the newly formed nation faced an immediate threat from its Arab neighbors. Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, fearing the loss of territory and influence, launched a coordinated attack on Israel, sparking the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The war lasted for nearly a year, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and the redrawing of the region's map.
230 years ago
Edward Jenner pioneers smallpox inoculation in a child (Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, UK) 1796
Edward Jenner, a passionate advocate for vaccination, decided to take a bold step and administer the first smallpox inoculation to an 8-year-old boy, James Phipps. This groundbreaking experiment paved the way for the eventual eradication of the virulent disease that claimed millions of lives. With a measured dose of courage and curiosity, Jenner carefully exposed James to cowpox, a similar virus, hoping to induce immunity. After some anxious days, James developed a mild fever, but most importantly, he didn't contract smallpox! This marked the beginning of a medical revolution, making vaccination a cornerstone of modern medicine.
86 years ago
Nazi Germany bombs Rotterdam, Netherlands despite ceasefire (Rotterdam, Netherlands) 1940
In the midst of World War II, the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands was left in ruins after the Luftwaffe, Nazi Germany's air force, launched a devastating bombing campaign despite a declared ceasefire. As the people of Rotterdam were trying to come to terms with the initial bombing on May 10, the Luftwaffe returned on May 14, 1940, dropping over 1,000 bombs and incendiary devices, reducing the historic city center to ashes. The brutal attack claimed approximately 900 lives, leaving countless others injured and homeless. The once-thriving city was now a smoldering grave, a testament to the unrelenting brutality of war.
419 years ago
English colonists establish Jamestown, America's first permanent settlement (James Fort, Jamestown, Virginia, 23081, USA) 1607
Three brave ships, the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, sailed up the James River, carrying 104 brave English colonists who dreamed of a new life. Led by Captain Christopher Newport, their journey was funded by the Virginia Company of London, who hoped to strike gold and find riches. Instead, they found swampy lands and Native American tribes. The colonists named their new home "James Fort" in honor of King James I, and it would eventually become Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. These pioneers persevered through disease, hunger, and conflict, paving the way for American history.
71 years ago
Soviet Union and allies form Warsaw Pact defense alliance (Warsaw, Poland) 1955
In the midst of the Cold War, a bold move was made by the Eastern Bloc as eight communist countries, led by the Soviet Union, came together to sign a monumental mutual defense treaty. This powerful pact, dubbed the Warsaw Pact, was a direct response to the creation of NATO, the Western military alliance formed just six years prior. The signing of the pact marked a significant escalation in the Cold War, as the two superpower blocs solidified their opposing alliances and set the stage for decades of political tension and espionage.
163 years ago
Union forces capture Jackson, Mississippi, in chaotic battle (Jackson, Mississippi, USA) 1863
General Ulysses S. Grant's Union army is on a roll! After a series of cunning maneuvers, they've finally cornered the Confederates under General Joseph E. Johnston in Jackson, Mississippi. The Rebels are in disarray, and Grant seizes the moment, launching a fierce assault on the city. Chaos erupts as artillery booms, guns blaze, and buildings burn. Johnston's men are outmaneuvered, and they hightail it out of town, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The Union's victory is a crucial step towards capturing the strategic stronghold of Vicksburg, and ultimately, the war.
Notable Deaths on May 14:
1998Frank Sinatra Legendary singer and actor who entertained the world with his smooth voice
2015B.B. King Legendary American music icon, blending blues, rock, and soul to leave an indelible mark
2019Tim Conway Legendary comedian with a knack for physical comedy and impressions
2019Grumpy Cat Feline internet sensation and beloved meme
2018Tom Wolfe Visionary American author, exploring the American condition through probing prose
1987Rita Hayworth 12676|
2003Robert Stack Beloved American actor and producer renowned for his diverse film and TV work
2017Powers Boothe Versatile American actor, bringing characters to life with depth and nuance
2003Wendy Hiller Elegant English actress who shone on stage and screen
1980Hugh Griffith Esteemed Welsh actor, acclaimed for his versatility and commanding performances on stage and screen.
1970Billie Burke Beloved actress and singer, renowned for her charisma and captivating stage presence.
1959Sidney Bechet American jazz legend who was a prolific saxophonist and clarinet player
1919Henry J. Heinz Indian jurist and politician
2016Darwyn Cooke Groundbreaking American comic book creator, pushing the boundaries of storytelling
1965Frances Perkins Pioneering advocate for workers' rights and Labor Secretary, championing social and economic justice.
1991Jiang Qing Chinese revolutionary, actress, and politician
1912August Strindberg Swedish playwright, novelist, and essayist
1995Christian B. Anfinsen Biochemist and academic who discovered the structure of insulin
1993William Randolph Hearst, Jr. Publisher and journalist who built a media empire
1945Heber J. Grant American religious leader who served as the seventh president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints