There are so many things happening every day around the world, some of which are so great, that they create a space for themselves in the books of history. 28 May has also witnessed some amazing events in the past. Let’s read about them!
Napoleon Bonaparte
1805: Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned in Milan, Italy
Emperor Nelopeon was crowned King by the Cardinal Archbishop of Milan, who presented him with the Iron Crown of Lombardy. Once the crown was safely on his head, Napoleon said: ‘God gives it to me, beware whoever touches it’.
1900: Britain annexed the Orange Free State in South Africa
The Orange Free State’s forces won some victories against the British army, but the two Boer republics could not ultimately prevail. In 1900, when British forces had occupied Bloemfontein, the Orange Free State was annexed by Britain as the Orange River Colony.
1940: Belgium surrendered to Germany
The Belgium Army surrendered to German forces on 28 May 1940 ending the Battle of Belgium. This was a part of World War II. The German occupation of Belgium lasted until Belgium’s liberation by the Western Allies between September 1944 and February 1945. It was the second time in less than thirty years that Germany had occupied Belgium.
1961: Amnesty International, a human rights organization, was founded
Founded by Peter Benenson, Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the United Kingdom focused on human rights. The organization says it has more than eight million members and supporters around the world.
Today’s day is all about awareness. Read ahead!
World Menstrual Hygiene Day
Menstruation is a natural process in which blood, which was created by the body to cushion an egg, is flushed from the body if the owner of the said egg, the female, does not become pregnant. It is a normal action which millions of women across the world experience, and this day seeks to remove any taboo associated with it.
Just think, the body’s process which allows for the conception of children should be celebrated, surely?
The World Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Day was created by the German-based organization NGO WASH United as recently as 2014. The day was created to normalize the action of menstruation, to remove the taboos, and the importance of access to hygiene during this time, with the support of over 270 global partners. Do you know why the date May 28 was chosen? May is the 5th month of the year and most women average to having their period for 5 days, and their cycle tends to be at 28 days. So in a way, the 28th of May is especially symbolic.
Getting the right materials to maintain hygiene during periods and that this material is able to be changed in total privacy is a basic human right. This day is designated to ensure that awareness is increased regarding the access to menstrual hygiene that women have across the world. The organizers behind this day also assert that correct washing facilities are given to all the women at this time and that young woman are given the correct educational materials regarding the changes which will occur in their bodies.
Menstruation is a biological fact, and this day aims to ensure that any kind of stigma suffered regarding it is stopped, and girls are taught that this is natural and nothing to be ashamed about. To celebrate this day, you can donate to different charities to help the right information being sent to schools and ensure that women in such places are given the support they need. On this day, make sure that you get involved in the conversation on social media. That’s the most effective way today to destigmatize this biological process.
Are you looking for a birthday twin today? Here you go:
Shane Burcaw
Shane is a writer and activist native to Bethlehem. He has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy from nearly when he was two years of age. An activist who works to create awareness about living with the disease and his blog Laughing at My Nightmare. His first book was launched in 2014. Shane has gained attention from the world due to his optimistic outlook towards life even after being in a wheelchair for almost all of his life.
Michael Jerome Oher
Oher is a former American professional football player. He was an offensive tackle in the National Football League. Oher played college football for the University of Mississippi where he earned unanimous All-American honors. He has been a recipient of several awards throughout his career. His book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, was made into an Academy Award-winning 2009 film of the same name.
Source: Wikipedia
Keep checking the Today column for similar updates daily.
