MAY 17, 2024 | NATIONAL PIZZA PARTY DAY | NATIONAL GRADUATION TASSEL DAY | MALCOLM X DAY | NASCAR DAY | NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK DAY | NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY | NATIONAL CHERRY COBBLER DAY | NATIONAL PACK RAT DAY | NATIONAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY | NATIONAL DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION DAY | NATIONAL WALNUT DAY | NATIONAL IDAHO DAY
NATIONAL PIZZA PARTY DAY
Each year on the third Friday in May, millions of pizza lovers across the nation join in extolling the qualities of pizza on National Pizza Party Day. Read more...
NATIONAL GRADUATION TASSEL DAY
There is a class of students annually across the country celebrating their academic achievements and accomplishments, and this National Graduation Tassel Day on May 17th is just the start. The day celebrates not only the successes but the future of every graduate! Read more...
MALCOLM X DAY
His birthday is May 19 (and can be celebrated), yet on this third Friday in May on the National Day Calendar we are honoring the life of civil rights activist Malcolm X. Join us as we explore his life and see how one man became an inspiration for change and equality inspiring Malcolm X Day. Read more...
NASCAR DAY
This year NASCAR Day is celebrated on the third Friday in May and recognizes the drivers, celebrities, corporate partners, media and millions of fans. Read more...
NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK DAY
National Bike to Work Day takes place on the third Friday in May, right in the middle of National Bike Month. The observance encourages us to bike to work, but it also raises awareness of cyclists as they commute to and from work each day. Read more...
NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY
National Bike to School Day each year encourages students and classrooms to celebrate the energy of National Bike Month. The observance built on the popularity of National Walk to School Day, which is celebrated each October. It creates opportunities for schools across the nation to join together and support bike safety for students and faculty. Read more...
NATIONAL CHERRY COBBLER DAY
May 17th each year dedicates the celebration of National Cherry Cobbler Day to the delicious tart dessert that many enjoy with ice cream. Many believe the early American Colonies are where this recipe began born out of a lack of proper cooking utensils. Read more...
NATIONAL PACK RAT DAY
Each year on May 17th, National Pack Rat Day encourages us to take a look at ourselves and see if we have "Pack Rat" tendencies within us. A Pack Rat holds on to, collects or hoards often unneeded items. Read more...
NATIONAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY
On the third Friday in May, we celebrate National Endangered Species Day and offer an opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species. Read more...
NATIONAL DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION DAY
National Defense Transportation Day is a United States Federal Observance Day held on the third Friday in May. Maintaining a transportation infrastructure is vital to the security of the United States. Read more...
NATIONAL WALNUT DAY
We have a certain belief the squirrels might enjoy this one. In 1958 May 17th officially recognized National Walnut Day by a Senate resolution signed into law by President Eisenhower. Today we celebrate with delicious recipes of salads, desserts, and snack foods. Read more...
NATIONAL IDAHO DAY
On May 17th, National Idaho Day recognizes the 43rd state to join the United States union on July 3, 1890. Known by locals as The Gem State, Idaho was settled as miners, traders, and missionaries made their way West into the territory of the Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Bannock peoples. Read more...
On Deck for May 18, 2024
National Days
ARMED FORCES DAY
NATIONAL VISIT YOUR RELATIVES DAY
NATIONAL LEARN TO SWIM DAY
NATIONAL CHEESE SOUFFLE DAY
NATIONAL NO DIRTY DISHES DAY
NATIONAL HIV VACCINE AWARENESS DAY
May 17th Celebrated History
1875
Churchill Downs holds the first Kentucky Derby. Aristides ridden by Oliver Lewis, wins the race in 2 minutes, 37 seconds, 3/4.
1897
The Holland VI is launched at the Navy's Lt. Lewis Nixon's Crescent Shipyard in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It became the Navy's first commissioned submarine in 1900 and renamed the USS Holland. Irish-American inventor John Philip Holland designed the submarine in 1896.
1954
The Supreme Court unanimously rules on the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka determining that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.
1954
The comedy duo Stan Laurel and Ollie Hardy came to an abrupt stop when Hardy suffered a heart attack. The two never performed together again.
2004
Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.
May 17th Celebrated Birthdays
Cool Papa Bell - 1903
Considered to be one of the fasted baseball players who ever lived, Cool Papa Bell played centerfield in the Negro League from 1928-1945. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
Dennis Hopper - 1936
The American actor and filmmaker is known for directing the film Easy Rider and his performances in films such as Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet, and Hoosiers.
Sugar Ray Leonard - 1956
The 1976 Olympic gold medalist, Sugar Ray Leonard, turned to professional boxing the following year. In 1987 he defeated “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler for the middleweight title. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 after his retirement.
Mia Hamm - 1972
Mia Ham played professional soccer for 17 years winning two World Championships and two Olympic gold medals.