Events on May 20 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on May 20: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on May 20, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on May 20 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1902 Cuba's independence and first president: On May 20, 1902, Cuba gained formal independence from the United States, and Tomás Estrada Palma became the first president of the Republic of Cuba. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1908 Aldrich-Vreeland Act reforms national banking regulations: The Aldrich-Vreeland Act, enacted on May 20, 1908, reformed national banking regulations in the United States. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1909 Matt Busby: Legendary football manager born: Sir Matt Busby, a legendary football manager, was born on May 20, 1909. He is best known for his long tenure with Manchester United. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1910 Funeral of King Edward VII: King Edward VII of the United Kingdom died on May 6, 1910. His state funeral on May 20, 1910, was the largest gathering of European royalty to date, with representatives from 70 states attending. The procession began at Buckingham Palace, passed through Westminster Hall, and concluded at Windsor Castle, where the King was interred at St George's Chapel. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1913 Birth of William Hewlett, Tech Pioneer: William Redington Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard Company, was born on May 20, 1913, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He co-founded HP with David Packard in 1939, significantly contributing to the development of Silicon Valley. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1915 Birth of Moshe Dayan: Moshe Dayan, an influential Israeli military leader and politician, was born on May 20, 1915, in Kibbutz Degania Alef, then part of the Ottoman Empire. He became a prominent figure in Israeli military history and politics. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1917 Death of Philipp von Ferrary, Notable Stamp Collector: Philipp von Ferrary, a renowned French-born stamp collector, passed away in Lausanne, Switzerland. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1918 Codell, Kansas: Tornado's Remarkable Recurrence: On May 20, 1918, Codell, Kansas, was struck by an F4 tornado, causing significant destruction to the town. This was the third consecutive year a tornado hit Codell on May 20, leading residents to refer to the date as "Cyclone Day." Despite the devastation, no fatalities were reported. source: kansashistory.gov
  • 1920 First North American Regular Radio Broadcast: On May 20, 1920, the first regular radio broadcast in North America was transmitted, marking a significant milestone in communication history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1921 Martial law declared in Mingo County, West Virginia: On May 20, 1921, martial law was declared in Mingo County, West Virginia, following the Battle of Blair Mountain during the coal miners' strike. source: nps.gov
  • 1925 Gerardo Machado becomes President of Cuba: On May 20, 1925, Gerardo Machado was inaugurated as the President of Cuba, beginning his first term in office. source: britannica.com
  • 1926 Belgian government change: On May 20, 1926, a government of national unity was formed in Belgium under Prime Minister Henri Jaspar, following the fall of Prosper Poullet's government on May 8, 1926. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1927 Charles Lindbergh's Historic Transatlantic Flight: On May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh embarked on his historic solo transatlantic flight from Roosevelt Field in New York to Le Bourget Field near Paris, France, marking a significant achievement in aviation history. source: history.com
  • 1931 Peder Kolstad becomes Prime Minister of Norway: Peder Kolstad, a member of the Agrarian Party, was appointed Prime Minister of Norway on May 12, 1931, and assumed office on May 20, 1931. His government was a minority administration, and he also served as Minister of Finance during his tenure. source: regjeringen.no
  • 1934 Birth of cosmonaut Alexei Leonov: Alexei Leonov, the first human to conduct a spacewalk, was born on May 20, 1934. His contributions to space exploration were significant, particularly during the early years of the Soviet space program. source: nasa.gov
  • 1936 Miguel Mariano Gómez becomes President of Cuba: Miguel Mariano Gómez was inaugurated as the seventh President of Cuba on May 20, 1936. His presidency was marked by general peace and tranquility, serving as a contrast to previous administrations with military backgrounds. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1937 'Room Service' Broadway Premiere: The Broadway premiere of 'Room Service' took place on May 20, 1937. This comedy, written by John Murray and Allen Boretz, became a significant success and was later adapted into a film. source: britannica.com
  • 1939 First Regular Transatlantic Airmail Service Launched: On May 20, 1939, Pan American Airways inaugurated the first regular transatlantic airmail service, connecting New York and Lisbon. This service marked a significant advancement in international mail delivery, reducing transit times between the United States and Europe.
  • 1940 First Prisoners Arrive at Auschwitz: The first prisoners arrived at Auschwitz on May 20, 1940, marking the beginning of its operation as a concentration camp. Initially, it housed Polish political prisoners before becoming a site for mass extermination. source: britannica.com
  • 1941 Operation Mercury: German invasion of Crete: On May 20, 1941, Germany launched Operation Mercury, the airborne invasion of Crete during World War II. This operation marked the first large-scale airborne invasion in history and resulted in the capture of the island by German forces. source: britannica.com
  • 1942 US Navy integrates African American sailors: On May 20, 1942, the US Navy officially began integrating African American sailors into its ranks, marking a significant step towards racial equality in the military. This integration was part of broader efforts during World War II to utilize all available manpower, regardless of race. source: archives.gov
  • 1943 United States Court for China closes: The United States Court for China, which had jurisdiction over American citizens in China, officially closed on May 20, 1943. This closure marked the end of a significant chapter in U.S.-China relations during World War II. The court had been established to handle legal matters involving Americans in China. source: archives.gov
  • 1944 Birth of Joe Cocker: Joe Cocker, the renowned English singer known for his soulful voice and unique interpretations of popular songs, was born on May 20, 1944. source: biography.com
  • 1946 Birth of Cher, Iconic Performer: Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California, is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She gained fame in the 1960s as part of the duo Sonny & Cher and later achieved a successful solo career. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1947 Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller executed for war crimes: Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller, known as "The Butcher of Crete," was executed by firing squad in Athens, Greece, on May 20, 1947. As a general in the Wehrmacht, he was convicted of war crimes for ordering massacres of Greek civilians during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1948 Israeli Air Force's first war victory: On May 20, 1948, the Israeli Air Force achieved its first significant victory during the Arab-Israeli War. This event marked a turning point in the conflict, showcasing the capabilities of the newly formed Israeli military. source: britannica.com
  • 1950 76th Preakness Stakes won by Eddie Arcaro: On May 20, 1950, Eddie Arcaro rode Hill Prince to victory in the 76th Preakness Stakes, marking a notable achievement in horse racing history. This win contributed to Arcaro's reputation as one of the greatest jockeys of his time. source: britannica.com
  • 1952 Birth of Roger Milla, Cameroonian football legend: Roger Milla, a renowned Cameroonian footballer, was born on May 20, 1952. He is celebrated for his remarkable performances in the FIFA World Cup, particularly in 1990 and 1994, and is considered one of Africa's greatest footballers. source: bbc.com
  • 1953 Birth of Robert Doyle, Australian politician: Robert Doyle, an Australian politician, was born on May 20, 1953. He later became known for his contributions to local and state politics in Australia. source: parliament.vic.gov.au
  • 1955 Argentina separates church and state: On May 20, 1955, the Argentine parliament accepted the separation of church and state. This decision marked a significant shift in Argentina's relationship with the Catholic Church, aiming to establish a clearer distinction between religious and governmental affairs. The move was part of broader efforts to modernize the country's institutions and promote secularism.
  • 1956 Jordan government resignation: On May 20, 1956, the government of Jordan resigned amid political tensions and public unrest. This event marked a significant moment in Jordan's political history, reflecting the challenges faced by the monarchy during that period. source: bbc.com
  • 1958 Cuban counteroffensive against Castro: On May 20, 1958, Cuban forces launched a counteroffensive against Fidel Castro's rebels during the Cuban Revolution. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict as government troops sought to regain control over territories held by insurgents. source: britannica.com
  • 1959 Ford introduces the Falcon automobile: On May 20, 1959, Ford Motor Company unveiled the Falcon, a compact car that aimed to capture the growing market for smaller vehicles in America. The Falcon became popular for its affordability and efficiency, influencing future car designs. source: ford.com
  • 1960 Japanese Security Treaty ratified amid protests: On May 20, 1960, Japan's House of Representatives ratified the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States, despite significant opposition and protests. The treaty, signed on January 19, 1960, committed both nations to mutual defense and permitted the presence of U.S. military bases on Japanese soil. The ratification process was marked by intense public demonstrations and political turmoil. source: foreignaffairs.com
  • 1962 Patty Berg Wins LPGA Muskogee Civitan Golf Open: On May 20, 1962, professional golfer Patty Berg won the LPGA Muskogee Civitan Golf Open. This victory added to her illustrious career, which included multiple major championship titles. source: lpga.com
  • 1965 First Indian to summit Mount Everest: On May 20, 1965, Lt Col Avatar Singh Cheema became the first Indian to climb Mount Everest, leading a successful expedition. source: indiatoday.in
  • 1966 Colombian presidential election: The Colombian presidential election held on May 20, 1966, resulted in the election of Misael Pastrana Borrero. This election was significant as it marked a return to civilian rule after a period of political violence and instability in Colombia. source: britannica.com
  • 1967 U.S. Air Force Pilot Shoots Down MiG-21 in North Vietnam: On May 20, 1967, U.S. Air Force pilot Robert F. Titus engaged in air combat over Yen Bay, North Vietnam, shooting down a MiG-21. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1970 Vietnam War Support March in New York: On May 20, 1970, over 100,000 New Yorkers marched through lower Manhattan to demonstrate support for the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration. The event was organized by the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, featuring participants such as construction workers and union members. The demonstration was marked by American flags, patriotic tunes, and fervent speeches, with signs denouncing Mayor John Lindsay's anti-war stance. source: janos.nyc
  • 1971 Chuknagar massacre during Bangladesh Liberation War: On May 20, 1971, the Chuknagar massacre occurred during the Bangladesh Liberation War, where a large number of Bengali civilians were killed by the Pakistani military. This event is remembered as a significant atrocity in the conflict. source: bbc.com
  • 1972 Nixon's Moscow trip begins: President Richard Nixon's historic trip to Moscow begins, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president visited the Soviet Union. This visit aimed to improve U.S.-Soviet relations and culminated in the signing of several important agreements, including the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT). source: archives.gov
  • 1973 Britain escalates Cod War with Iceland: On May 20, 1973, tensions escalated in the Cod War between Britain and Iceland, primarily over fishing rights in the North Atlantic. The conflict saw increased naval presence and confrontations between fishing vessels from both nations. source: bbc.com
  • 1976 Soviet Nuclear Test: On May 20, 1976, the Soviet Union conducted another nuclear test, further escalating tensions during the Cold War. source: nti.org
  • 1978 Pioneer Venus 1 mission launches: NASA's Pioneer Venus 1 spacecraft, also known as Pioneer Venus Orbiter, was launched on May 20, 1978, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station atop an Atlas-Centaur rocket. The mission aimed to study Venus's atmosphere and surface, marking the first American spacecraft to orbit Venus. source: science.nasa.gov
  • 1979 Elton John's historic USSR tour: Elton John arrived in Moscow on May 20, 1979, to begin his eight-concert tour of the Soviet Union, marking a significant cultural exchange during the Cold War. The tour included performances in Leningrad and Moscow, with the final concert on May 28, 1979, broadcast live on BBC Radio 1. This event was pivotal in introducing Western pop music to the Soviet audience and led to the official release of John's album "A Single Man" in the USSR. source: eltonjohn.com
  • 1980 Love Canal environmental crisis leads to national awareness: On May 20, 1980, the Love Canal environmental crisis gained national attention when President Jimmy Carter declared a federal emergency. The crisis stemmed from toxic waste buried beneath a residential area in Niagara Falls, New York, leading to severe health issues among residents. This event catalyzed the environmental movement and prompted significant changes in U.S. environmental policy, including the establishment of the Superfund program. source: epa.gov
  • 1981 Birth of Iker Casillas, Spanish footballer: Iker Casillas, a renowned Spanish footballer and goalkeeper, was born on May 20, 1981, in Móstoles, Spain. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, having achieved significant success with both his club, Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team, including winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010. source: britannica.com
  • 1982 Birth of Petr Čech, renowned Czech goalkeeper: Petr Čech was born on May 20, 1982, in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, known for his time with Chelsea FC and the Czech national team. Čech has won numerous accolades, including multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy. source: bbc.com
  • 1983 First publication identifying HIV as cause of AIDS: On May 20, 1983, Luc Montagnier and his team at the Pasteur Institute published a groundbreaking paper in the journal Science, identifying a new retrovirus, later named HIV, as the cause of AIDS. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in understanding the disease and laid the foundation for subsequent research and treatment developments. source: pasteur.fr
  • 1984 Roger Clemens wins first MLB game: Roger Clemens achieved his first Major League Baseball victory on May 20, 1984, while playing for the Boston Red Sox. This marked the beginning of a legendary career for Clemens, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated pitchers in baseball history. His performance set the stage for future accolades and records. source: mlb.com
  • 1985 FBI arrests major Soviet spy in 1985: On May 20, 1985, the FBI arrested Aldrich Ames, a CIA officer who was later revealed to be a major Soviet spy. Ames was charged with espionage for providing the Soviet Union with classified information, which compromised numerous U.S. intelligence operations and led to the execution of several agents. His arrest marked a significant moment in Cold War espionage history. source: fbi.gov
  • 1986 The Flintstones' 25th Anniversary Celebration: A 60-minute live-action and animated television special aired on CBS, commemorating the 25th anniversary of 'The Flintstones'. Hosted by Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, and Vanna White, the program featured clips from past episodes and spin-offs, along with new animation and musical segments. Special guest appearances included Telly Savalas, Susan Saint James, and Jane Curtin. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1987 IFK Göteborg wins UEFA Cup final against Dundee United: On May 20, 1987, IFK Göteborg secured their second UEFA Cup title by drawing 1-1 with Dundee United in the second leg of the final at Tannadice Park in Dundee, Scotland. This result, combined with their 1-0 victory in the first leg at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, gave them a 2-1 aggregate win. The decisive goal in the second leg was scored by Lennart Nilsson, while John Clark equalized for Dundee United. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 1989 China imposes martial law ahead of Tiananmen Square massacre: On May 20, 1989, the Chinese government declared martial law in Beijing, mobilizing military divisions to suppress the growing protests in Tiananmen Square. This decision marked a significant escalation in the government's response to the demonstrations. source: bbc.com
  • 1990 Hubble Space Telescope captures first image of star cluster NGC 3532: On May 20, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope took its first photograph of the binary star HD96755 in the open cluster NGC 3532, located about 1,300 light years away. This initial image was unremarkable and smudgy, but significant as it marked Hubble's first successful light test. Later, engineers discovered Hubble's famously flawed mirror, which was confirmed nearly a month after the first photo. Despite the initial disappointment due to out-of-focus images, it wasn't until the December 1993 mission that corrective optics were installed to rectify the issue. This pivotal moment led to 25 years of awe-inspiring, clear images of the cosmos, capturing the universe's history in unparalleled detail. source: nasa.gov
  • 1991 Michael Jordan wins NBA MVP: On May 20, 1991, Michael Jordan was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 1990-91 season. He led the Chicago Bulls to a franchise-record 61 wins and averaged 31.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. source: upi.com
  • 1992 India launches first satellite using indigenous rocket: On May 20, 1992, India successfully launched its first satellite, SROSS-C, into orbit using the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) from the Sriharikota Space Center. This marked India's third attempt at placing a satellite into orbit, following unsuccessful attempts in 1987 and 1988. source: upi.com
  • 1993 Intel Pentium processor launched: Intel introduced the Pentium microprocessor, marking a significant advancement in computing technology with its superscalar architecture, enabling higher performance and multitasking capabilities.
  • 1994 Sushmita Sen wins Miss Universe: On May 20, 1994, Sushmita Sen from India was crowned Miss Universe in Manila, Philippines, becoming the first Indian woman to win the title. source: missuniverse.com
  • 1995 Quebec Referendum on Independence: On May 20, 1980, Quebec held its first independence referendum, where the 'No' side won with 59.56% of the votes. A subsequent referendum on October 30, 1995, also resulted in a 'No' victory, but by a narrower margin of 50.58%. source: britannica.com
  • 1996 Landmark Supreme Court decision on LGBTQ+ rights: On May 20, 1996, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision regarding LGBTQ+ rights, impacting legislation and societal views on same-sex relationships. This ruling was pivotal in the ongoing fight for equality. source: scotusblog.com
  • 1997 Thor II communications satellite launched aboard Delta II rocket: The United States Air Force successfully launched the Thor II communications satellite into geostationary orbit using a Delta II 7925 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on May 20, 1997. source: nextspaceflight.com
  • 2000 Chelsea wins FA Cup Final: Chelsea defeated Aston Villa 1-0 in the FA Cup Final on May 20, 2000, securing their second consecutive FA Cup victory. source: theguardian.com
  • 2002 East Timor Gains Independence: On May 20, 2002, East Timor officially declared its independence, becoming the first new sovereign state of the 21st century. The ceremony was attended by international dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 2003 First North American BSE Case Since 1993: On May 20, 2003, the United States confirmed its first case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, since 1993. The infected cow was discovered in Washington State, leading to significant concerns about the safety of U.S. beef exports and prompting immediate measures to contain the disease. source: cdc.gov
  • 2004 The Notebook film premiere at Seattle International Film Festival: The romantic drama 'The Notebook' had its world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival on May 20, 2004. Directed by Nick Cassavetes and starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, the film was released in U.S. theaters on June 25, 2004. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2005 UN peacekeepers withdraw from East Timor: The United Nations peacekeeping forces completed their withdrawal from East Timor, concluding a significant chapter in the country's post-independence history. This marked a transition to full sovereignty for East Timor. source: un.org
  • 2006 Lordi wins Eurovision Song Contest: On May 20, 2006, the Finnish band Lordi won the Eurovision Song Contest with their song 'Hard Rock Hallelujah.' This victory marked a significant moment in Eurovision history, as it was the first time a heavy metal band won the competition. source: bbc.com
  • 2007 David Hicks Returns from Guantanamo: David Hicks, an Australian detainee, returns from Guantanamo Bay to serve the remaining seven months of his sentence in Yatala Labour Prison for providing material support to terrorism.
  • 2008 Burma mourns Cyclone Nargis victims: On May 20, 2008, Myanmar (Burma) held national mourning ceremonies for the victims of Cyclone Nargis, which had caused significant casualties and destruction in early May. The government and citizens participated in commemorations to honor those lost. source: un.org
  • 2009 Catholic Church sexual abuse cases in Ireland: On May 20, 2009, a comprehensive report was published detailing cases of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of thousands of children over 70 years in Catholic-run schools in Ireland. The report, based on testimonies from nearly 2,000 witnesses, highlighted systemic abuse and the Church's failure to intervene. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2010 International condemnation of North Korea over Cheonan sinking: Following the conclusion of the Cheonan sinking investigation, on May 20, 2010, several countries, including the United States and South Korea, condemned North Korea for its actions. This led to increased diplomatic tensions in the region. source: bbc.com
  • 2011 Obama-Netanyahu meeting on border dispute: On May 20, 2011, U.S. President Barack Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Obama reiterated U.S. support for Israel's security and emphasized the need for direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians to resolve the border dispute. source: lemonde.fr
  • 2012 Roadside bomb targets UN convoy in Damascus: On May 20, 2012, a roadside bomb targeted a United Nations convoy in Damascus, Syria, injuring several UN personnel. The attack underscored the escalating violence and the challenges faced by international organizations operating in conflict zones. source: reuters.com
  • 2013 Devastating Moore, Oklahoma Tornado: On May 20, 2013, an EF5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, causing 24 fatalities and injuring 212 people. The tornado, with estimated peak winds of 200–210 mph, destroyed approximately 1,150 homes and caused damages estimated at $2 billion. source: nist.gov
  • 2014 Pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine: On May 20, 2014, pro-Russian unrest continued in eastern Ukraine, with reports of clashes between separatists and Ukrainian forces. The situation remained volatile as tensions escalated in the region, leading to concerns over further violence. source: bbc.com
  • 2015 Major banks fined for forex manipulation: On May 20, 2015, several major banks were fined for manipulating foreign exchange rates. The fines were part of a broader investigation into unethical practices in the forex market, which affected global currency trading. source: reuters.com
  • 2016 Venezuelan sugar shortage leads to Coca-Cola FEMSA production suspension: On May 20, 2016, Coca-Cola FEMSA suspended production in Venezuela due to a sugar shortage, highlighting the country's ongoing economic challenges. source: reuters.com
  • 2017 Libyan Civil War Airbase Attack: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War (2014-2018), a devastating attack on an airbase controlled by the Libyan National Army in southern Libya resulted in 140 confirmed fatalities, highlighting the continued instability and violence in the region.
  • 2018 Spanish constitutional crisis continues: The political situation in Spain remained tense on May 20, 2018, as the constitutional crisis over Catalonia's independence movement continued. The Spanish government faced challenges in addressing the region's demands. source: bbc.com
  • 2019 Google-Huawei tech conflict escalates with US ban: On May 20, 2019, Google announced it would restrict Huawei's access to its Android operating system following a U.S. government ban. This decision significantly impacted Huawei's smartphone business and raised concerns about the future of its technology. source: reuters.com
  • 2020 United States Nationwide Economic Reopening Begins: All 50 U.S. states initiated economic reopening and began easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Public health officials warned of potential risks, noting continued rising case and death numbers could trigger a new infection wave during the phased reopening process.
  • 2021 Israel-Hamas Ceasefire in Gaza: After nearly two weeks of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas reached a bilateral ceasefire agreement in Gaza, marking a temporary halt to the violent hostilities. The agreement came after significant international diplomatic intervention and mounting pressure to de-escalate tensions in the region.
  • 2022 Russia Claims Control of Mariupol in Russo-Ukrainian War: After a brutal and prolonged siege lasting nearly three months, Russian forces claimed complete control of the strategic Ukrainian city of Mariupol, marking a significant territorial gain in the ongoing conflict. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 2023 Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Battle for Bakhmut: The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine saw intense fighting in Bakhmut, with Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claiming full capture of the city. However, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry contested this claim, asserting that Ukrainian forces still maintained control of a district on the westernmost edge of Bakhmut.

What Is special about May 20?

May 20 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about May 20.