AP Today in History
May 24 is the 144th day of the year (145th on a leap year) on the Gregorian calendar.http://www.infoplease.com/spot/gregorian1.html The Zodiac sign for individuals born on this day is Gemini. http://www.findyourfate.com/astrology/Gemini.htm
May 24 is celebrated as Independence Day in Eritrea. The date marks Eritrea's success in achieving statehood in 1991, and their admission into the United Nations as an independent country in 1993.http://www.nharnet.com/Editorials/EritreaToday/may-24_052404.htm The day is meant to celebrate the country's independence and to honor those who lost their lives in the country's long struggle for freedom. Much debate has arisen over how the day should be observed amongst Eritrean people, whether it should be a somber day of mourning or a happy celebration, and no consensus has been reached amongst citizens since the holiday's conception.http://www.nharnet.com/Editorials/EritreaToday/may-24_052404.htm
The 1990s
- 1995: Heidi Fleiss was sentenced for running a call girl ring that catered to Hollywood elite.
The 1930s
- 1935: The Cincinnati Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies at Crosley Field for the first ever night game.
The 1800s
- 1883: The Brooklyn Bridge, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn is open to traffic for the first time.
- 1844: Samuel Morse sends the message, "What hath God wrought!" from Washington DC to Baltimore as the first telegraph message in America.
Holidays and Observances
Famous Birthdays
- 1965: John C. Reilly - Walk Hard
- 1941: Bob Dylan - Musicians
- 1938: Tommy Chong - Cheech and Chong
- 1819: Queen Victoria of England
Famous Deaths
- 2008: Dick Martin - Comedian
- 1543: Nicolaus Copernicus - Astronomer