8 National Days to Celebrate on May 31, 2027

National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 31, 2027. Plus historical events and birthdays.

2027
MEMORIAL DAY  Last Monday in May

Memorial Day

May 31, 2027 celebrates Memorial Day, plus 7 more. Each year in the United States, Americans observe the Federal holiday, Memorial Day, the last Monday in May. It honors and remembers all men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

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NATIONAL SMILE DAY  May 31

National Smile Day

It's May 31 and National Smile Day! Today we are encouraging everyone to wear their best smile!

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NATIONAL MACAROON DAY  May 31

National Macaroon Day

Each year on May 31, we celebrate the small coconut cookie that is full of flavor and variety on National Macaroon Day. Do not mistaken these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day summons up a little bit of bliss.

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NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY  May 31

Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day

Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day on May 31 shines a light on a rare disease that  affects the soft tissues of the skin. We also learn about why it's important to treat  necrotizing fasciitis appropriately and immediately to avoid rapid spread of the disease.

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NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DAY  May 31

National Autonomous Vehicle Day

Observe the future on May 31 with National Autonomous Vehicle Day! This is your opportunity to experience the realization of science and technology merging like never before. Buckle up as we take you on a ride to learn what technology is doing to our cars!

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NATIONAL SPEAK IN COMPLETE SENTENCES DAY  May 31

National Speak In Complete Sentences Day

National Speak in Complete Sentences Day is observed annually on May 31 as a day dedicated to using proper sentence structure while speaking. Join us as we try to articulate why speaking clearly is important.

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NATIONAL UTAH DAY  May 31

National Utah Day

On May 31, we celebrate The Beehive State on National Utah Day! This initiative is our way of honoring each state in the order they joined the Union, offering a dedicated day to celebrate the unique heritage, achievements, and spirit of each state.

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NATIONAL SAVE YOUR HEARING DAY  May 31

National Save Your Hearing Day

National Save Your Hearing Day on May 31 recognizes the importance of preserving our hearing. It is important to take some time to learn ways to protect your hearing and that of your family. Our hearing is vital, and there are ways that hearing loss can be avoidable.

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Born on May 31

People born on May 31

1819
WW

Walt Whitman

Poet who wrote O Captain! My Captain!

1837
SR

Stephen Ramseur

The youngest West Point graduate to become a Major General (at the time).

1938
PY

Peter Yarrow

Musician and founder of the 1960s musical group Peter, Paul and Mary.

1866
JN

John Nicholas Ringling

Co-founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus.

1943
JN

Joe Namath

Considered one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.

1932
JM

Jay Miner

Computer scientist often called the "Father of Amiga" who created graphics and audio chips for Atari.

1861
EB

Emily Bissell

Founder of the first public kindergarten Wilmington, Delaware; founder of the West End Neighborhood House, who provided social services to Irish and German immigrants; and founder of the of Christmas Seals.

1964
D"

Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels

Rapper and founder of the Run DMC. Considered one pioneers of hip hop music.

1930
CE

Clint Eastwood

Multi-award winning actor in films such as the Dirty Harry films, The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), Million Dollar Baby (2004), to name a few.

1965
BS

Brooke Shields

Successful model and actress who has openly advocated about the sexualization of young women in the entertainment industry.

Historical Events on May 31

Events that occurred on May 31 throughout history

1790

The Copyright Act of 1790 is enacted, making it the first copyright law. The Act granted American citizens the exclusive right to print and publish books, maps, and charts for an initial 14-year term, with the option to renew for an additional 14 years.

1870

Congress passed the first Enforcement Act outlining the rights of Blacks. The Act outlawed voter suppression, provided criminal penalties for using force, bribery, or violence to prevent African Americans from exercising their civil rights

1879

Gilmore's Garden in New York City is renamed Madison Square Garden after President Madison.

1880

The League of American Wheelmen forms, becoming the first bicycle association in the U.S. The League championed cyclists' rights and pushed for paved roads.

1885

John Harvey Kellogg excluded his brother Will Kellogg when he filed an application for the patent for "flaked cereal, and process of making same."

1893

Whitcomb Judson patents a hookless fastener, which later becomes known as the zipper.

1907

The first taxis service begins in NY City with 12 electric hansom cabs operated by the Electric Carriage and Wagon Company.

1909

The National Negro Committee meets for the first time. The Committee later becomes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

1931

The remains of Jefferson Davis are moved from New Orleans to Richmond, VA, at the request of his widow to give Davis a permanent resting place.

1937

The first set of quadruplets graduate from Baylor University. Leota, Mary, Mona, and Roberta were national celebrities and enrolled at Baylor on full scholarships in 1933.

1955

The Supreme Court orders district courts and school districts to enforce educational desegregation "at all deliberate speed." However, this ambiguous phrase allowed many local school boards to delay integration for over a decade.

1958

Dick Dale invents "surf music" by combining heavy reverb, Middle Eastern scales, and rapid staccato picking. The sound mirrored the thrill of riding ocean waves.

1971

In accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1968) passed by Congress, observation of Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday in May.

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