Cinco de Mayo International - May 05
Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a celebration held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (English: The Day of the Battle of Puebla). The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico—which is actually celebrated on September 16.
HUNGARY Access to healthy drinking water is important
Hungary has no space for events of an obviously anti-Semitic nature: PM Orbán
History
Events leading to Cinco de Mayo:
Cinco de Mayo has its roots in the French occupation of Mexico, which took place in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, the Mexican Civil War of 1858, and the 1860 Reform Wars. These wars left the Mexican Treasury in ruins and nearly bankrupt. On July 17, 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez issued a moratorium in which all foreign debt payments would be suspended for two years. In response, France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, at the time ruled by Napoleon III, decided to use the opportunity to establish a Latin empire in Mexico that would favor French interests, the Second Mexican Empire.
The French invasion:
Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz, landing a large French force and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat. Moving on from Veracruz towards Mexico City, the French army encountered heavy resistance from the Mexicans near Puebla, at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. The 8,000-strong French army attacked the much more poorly equipped Mexican army of 4,000. Yet, on May 5, 1862, the Mexicans managed to decisively crush the French army, one which, according to an article in Philadelphia's The Bulletin daily newspaper, was the best army of the time.
The Mexican victory:
The victory represented a significant morale boost to the Mexican army and the Mexican people at large. In the description of The History Channel, "Although not a major Cinco de Mayo dancers greeted by U.S. strategic win in the overall war against the French, President George W. Bush Zaragoza's success at Puebla represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement." The description of Time magazine was: "The Puebla victory came to symbolize unity and pride for what seemed like a Mexican David defeating a French Goliath." It helped establish a much-needed sense of national unity and patriotism.
Events after the Battle:
The Mexican victory, however, was short-lived. Thirty thousand troops and a full year later, the French were able to depose the Mexican army, capture Mexico City, and establish Emperor Maximilian I as ruler of Mexico. However, the French victory was also short-lived, lasting only 3 years, from 1864 to 1867. With the U.S. Civil War over in 1865, the U.S. was able to provide more assistance to Mexico to expel the French, after which Maximilian I was executed by the Mexicans, along with his Mexican generals Miramón and Mejía, in the Cerro de las Campanas, Queretaro.
Significance The Battle of Puebla was important for at least two reasons. First, although considerably outnumbered, the Mexicans defeated a much better-equipped French army. "This battle was significant in that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years." Second, it was significant because since the Battle of Puebla, no country in the Americas has been invaded by any other European military force.
to the United States Consequences Some historians have argued that France's real goal was to help break
up the American Union, at the time in the midst of a civil war, by helping the southern Confederacy: "The Mexicans had won a great victory that kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, allowing the United States to build a powerful army. This grand army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War." The consequence of Cinco de Mayo to the United States has been thus recognized: "The defeat of the French army had consequences for America as well...the French defeat denied Napoleon III the opportunity to resupply the Confederate rebels for another year." Donald W. Miles adds, "At the time, there were fears in the United States that the French would use Mexico as a base to back the Confederacy, so President Lincoln and his Secretary of State went out of their way to appear 'neutral' in the Mexican situation. They did not want to take on the French and the Confederates at the same time". Dr. Miles goes on to explain that "Napoleon III had hesitated to take on the United States directly, but now the news of the Civil War changed everything". It meant that the Americans would be occupied with their conflict between North and South for some time. Upon hearing the Spaniards and the British had sailed off to grab the customs house in Veracruz to start collecting their duties, Napoleon decided he would not only send the French navy, but would also start looking for someone to place as emperor in Mexico. He would then use Mexico as a base to help the Confederates win their war against the United States. Napoleon saw this as an opportunity not to be missed. Dr. Miles then concludes, "The Emperor of France ordered his generals to spend a few months taking on Mexico and then - using Mexico as a Cinco de Mayo performers at 'base' - help the Confederates win their war against the United States. What if they had succeeded? The United States would never become the the White House significant world power it is today...the Mexicans not only took their nation back, but influenced the outcome of the U.S. Civil War." Historian Justo Sierra has written in his Political Evolution of the Mexican People, that had Mexico not defeated the French in Puebla on May 5, 1862, France would have gone to the aid of the South in the U.S. Civil War and the United States' destiny could have been very different.
Observances United States:
On June 7, 2005, the U.S. Congress issued a Concurrent Resolution calling on the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In a 1998 study in the Journal of American Culture it was reported that there were more than 120 official U.S. celebrations of Cinco de Mayo, and they could be found in 21 different states. An update in 2006, found that the number of official Cinco de Mayo events was 150 or more, according to José Alamillo, professor of ethnic studies at Washington State University in Pullman, who has studied the cultural impact of Cinco de Mayo north of the border. In the United States Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico.Celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols, such as the Virgen de Guadalupe, and from prominent figures of Mexican descent in the United States, including César Chávez. To celebrate, many display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate pupils about its historical significance. Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in Cinco de Mayo celebration in its music and regional dancing. Examples include baile folklórico and Saint Paul, Minnesota mariachi demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles, near Olvera Street. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on beverages, foods, and music.
History of observance:
Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the American Civil War are credited with being the first to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States. According to a paper published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture about the origin of the observance of Cinco de Mayo in the United States, the modern American focus on that day first started in California in the 1860s in response to the resistance to French rule in Mexico. "Far up in the gold country town of Columbia (now Columbia State Park) Mexican miners were so overjoyed at the news that they spontaneously fired off rifles shots and fireworks, sang patriotic songs and made impromptu speeches." A 2007 UCLA Newsroom article notes that "The holiday, which has been celebrated in California continuously since 1863, is virtually ignored in Mexico." TIME magazine reports that "Cinco de Mayo started to come into vogue in 1940s America during the rise of the Chicano movement." United Press International reports that "The holiday crossed over into the United States in the 1950s and 1960s but didn't gain popularity until the 1980s when marketers, especially beer companies, capitalized on the celebratory nature of the day and began to promote it."
Mexico:
Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday limited primarily to the state of Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday in other parts of the country.
Elsewhere:
Events tied to Cinco de Mayo also occur outside Mexico and the United States. For example, a sky-diving club near Vancouver, Canada, holds a Cinco de Mayo skydiving event. In the Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean, there is an annual Cinco de Mayo air guitarcompetition. As far away as the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean Sea, revelers are encouraged to drink Mexican beer on May 5.The city of Brisbane, Australia, also holds an annual Mexican Festival to honour the day.
Coronation Day Thailand - M a y 0 5
The coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej took place on 5 May 1950. His Majesty is the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty. On 5 May of every year, the Thai people rejoice and express their affection and loyalty to him by organizing a celebration on his coronation day. Prior to the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut), there was no coronation ceremony in Thailand, there was only private ceremony held by high ranking officials to celebrate their Royal Regalia and positions in the 6th lunar month. A coronation, however, took place for the first time when King Rama IV was crowned on 15 May 1851. King Mongkut thought that the Coronation was an auspicious occasion but thought that it would be dificult to explain the meaning of the coronation day to his subjects in detail, he thus called this day as a “ceremony to commemorate the Royal Regalia” but was quite similar to that of a coronation. On that day (the 13th of the full moon in the 6th lunar month), following day monks were invited to have meal at the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall in Grand Palace.During the reign of the present king, the ceremony is performed for three days. The first day falls on 3 May in which the following ceremony will be performed; the king performs a merit-making ceremony at the Audience Hall of Amarindra in dedication to the deceased kings while Buddhist monks chant, give a sermon and perform a requiem on the royal ashes of the deceased kings. On 4 May, the Coronation Ceremonies begin with the proclamation of the Coronation Day read by the Chief of Brahmin priests followed by an evening chanting performed by Buddhist monks. Finally, 5 May is the actual date of the ceremony in which food is to be offered to monks and followed by a celebration of the Royal Regalia. At noon the Army and Navy fire a 21-gun salute in honour of the king. On this day, His Majesty the King also presents the royal decorations to the people who have made a valuable contribution to the country.
International Midwives Day Worldwide - May 05
International Midwives' Day was first celebrated May 5, 1991, and has since been observed in over 50 nations around the world. The idea of having a day to recognize and honor midwives came out of the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands.
History It is known that midwives have been making efforts to meet
internationally for over 100 years. There are records of a midwives´ conference held in Berlin, Germany, in the year 1900, when over 1,000 midwives attended. You may wish to consider for a moment that this was arranged without the use of telephones, computers, credit cards or aeroplanes - and took place at a time when women travelling on their own was difficult and not always acceptable. In 1919, a group of European midwives, centred in Antwerp, Belgium, established the first beginnings of what was to become the International Confederation of Midwives. By this time, many countries already had a national association of midwives; communication among them increased and a series of regular meetings was launched. During the 1930s and 1940s, travel and communication in Europe was disrupted by war and unrest. Unfortunately, the detailed records of the earlier midwives´ meetings and documents were destroyed. However, the desire to continue international work was still strong. In 1954, the initiative grew again and this time the location was London, UK. For the first time, the name of ´International Confederation of Midwives´ was decided, and also the idea of regular triennial congresses was established. Since 1954 the series of such meetings every three years has remained unbroken. The ICM now has over 100 members – all autonomous midwifery associations, from around 100 countries spanning four regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe. Each member association sends delegates to the ICM Council, which is the overall governing body; each region elects representatives to a smaller board, which oversees the continuing business of the Confederation. The ICM Council decided in 1999 to move the location of the headquarters office from London to The Hague, in the Netherlands, and it has been established there ever since. The headquarters permanent staff has increased from the appointment in 1987 of one part-time executive secretary, to the present larger group including the Secretary General, Programme Co-ordinator, Communications Manager and other part-time administrative assistance. The ICM journal, International Midwifery, is now in its 18th year of communicating "to, from and among midwives across the world" and the ICM website at www.internationalmidwives.org has been assisting speedier access to ICM news and activities since 2000. International congresses are held every three years. The site of each is decided six years ahead, and the event is co-hosted by ICM and one of its member associations. Venues over the past 50 years have included Jerusalem, Kobe, Manila, Santiago, Sydney, Vancouver and Washington, as well as numerous European cities. These congresses have become the major regular focus for midwives’ global business, professional and scientific meetings. In addition, regional meetings and conferences are often held in the years between congresses. The ICM's Mission is to "advance world-wide the aims and aspirations of midwives in the attainment of improved outcomes for women in their childbearing years, their newborn and their families wherever they reside".
Prague Uprising - 1945 Czech Republic - May 05
May the people of the Czech uprising was an armed uprising of the Czech people against the German invaders in the second World War II in the Czech Republic, which took place in early May 1945 . Actively attended by about 130 000 people plus 14 000 (part of them were Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian ethnicity) guerrillas. Another 100 000 people helped build barricades in Prague.
Preparing for the insurgency With the approaching end of the war, the
military leaders of Hitler's Germany realized that the end of the Third Reich is unavoidable, and their only hope was the desire to create rift between the Allies and German troops involved in the fighting against the Soviet Union alongside the U.S. , Britain and France . On the territory of Bohemia and Moravia should be created "Fortress" where it should be worth millions Schörner army stopped the procedure the Red Army , which was important to avoid the expected uprising of the Czech population, which was prepared by the Czech resistance .Already in 1944 the aktivizovala guerrilla war that led to the western, eastern revolt there. Conditions were prepared for the transportation of weapons from abroad and capture the weapons they produced Czech arms factories. In the second half of the year played an increasingly important role in resistance organization , the Council of three . There was výsadkům penetration and guerrilla groups in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia , among which played a big role to play, Guerrilla Brigade Jan Žižka , partisan divisions Jermak , Miroslav Tyrš , John Kozina , and Jan Hus . Other guerrilla groups began to occur mainly in March and April 1945 , when the culmination of a guerrilla struggle against the German occupiers, and particularly in the eastern and western Moravia (Wallachia and Highland ), there were also open to guerrilla warfare. There were more assaults German columns were discharged from the fuel tank, vykolejovány trains, blown bridges. Eg. 10th April was an important rail track fired Brno - Jihlava , which was not until the end of the war corrected. At this event, was blown up by a German military transport which killed or injured nearly 200 people. In addition to the actions of diverse assaults on the track were the Nazi crew, ammunition depots, military installations, was punctuated by electric and telephone and telegraph lines.
outbreak of the uprising The By late April Soviet troops has two operations - Ostrava and Prague-Brno liberated part of Moravia, with a subsequent
report on Hitler's death given us reason for defiance. uprising began on 1 May Přerov when spread wrong messages about the surrender of Germany . It was disarming German and Hungarian troops took the power of the National Committee . The revolt spread to the same day in Olomouc and the surrounding communities, but are affected unit SS . But insurgents have managed to stop the transport and disposal of industrial equipment and supplies that the Germans wanted to take away from Ostrava, Vsetínsko and Zlín. 2nd May rose Nymburk , Podebrady , Chlumec over Cidlinou , Upice next day Semily , Zelezny Brod , Turnov , Jilemnice , Old and New Paka , Pribram , Beroun , Vizovice , 4th May Vsetin andKladno , 5th May Louny , Jindrichuv Hradec , Rokycany , Klatovy , Domazlice etc. for about a thousand sites have been reported anti-occupation demonstrations, which consisted of posting Czechoslovak flags, banners, Germany's disposal, destruction indicative tables to celebrate the liberation demonstrations, protest actions against the occupation authorities Were also like to strikes in factories and confiscating weapons from the arms race in favor of the insurgents. The negotiations on the takeover took place more than 120 locations Protectorate. In some areas of the insurgency burst through the activities of guerrilla groups, which are increasingly entering into open warfare. Eg. in Vsetín fourth attack May Guerrilla Brigade Jan Žižka the Germans , who began to perform the work in the city of destruction, which had to be stopped. The city was the fourth the afternoon free units first Czechoslovak Army Corps . Guerrilla groups have also played a major role in the foothills and elsewhere.
Prague (and others) Rebellion
On 5 broke out in May uprising in the capital city of Prague . The Czech National Council issued a statement about the end of the Protectorate and the takeover of government and executive power. Here first demonstration took place, but soon moved into open opposition.Insurgents in Prague and throughout the territory of Bohemia and Moravia in strength of arms, occupies the post, rail and major road intersections. The odbojovým and guerrilla groups were added one thousand rebels from the Czech population, ex-military, gendarmerie, and the Soviet liberation of prisoners working at menial jobs in the Protectorate. Occupiers were prevented from removal made machinery, equipment and vehicles to Germany , to prevent the destruction of factories, etc. (plan ARLZ - scorched earth tactics). Insurgents prevented a continuous supply of the front and a retreat organized by the Wehrmacht . The uprising, which erupted in 37 cities and 240 villages, got in some tough places Counterstrike - German troops began to occupy the major roads, streets, intersections, railway stations and posts, was announced by the state of emergency , the occupants hostage and murdered interested to intimidate the Czech population. Their goal was not to allow the creation of a continuous rebel territory. However, insurgents have managed to bind itself with great force of German troops that could be used to suppress the uprising in Prague . Countryside Prague supplied not only food but also medical equipment and light weapons were zbudovávány roadblocks thrown bridges that Wehrmachtunits and the Waffen SS as much as transport is difficult. The resistance of the population continued in the countryside, where he is constantly expanding. In many places there was an open battle, elsewhere only to sabotage actions. Germans are increasingly resorting to assassinations and massacres of the Czech population, which took as hostages or decapitating the warning, not only in Prague , but virtually throughout the occupied territories of Bohemia and Moravia. On 8 May 1945 began a retreat Staff Field Marshal Ferdinand Schorner , who was at Hořic rebels attacked and partially scattered. A day later, the crew was broken at the Saaz tank armies Red Army . 8th May at 16.00 pm was among the German leadership and the Czech National Council signed a protocol that allowed the Germans to Prague with a passage that is to stop fighting. However, the fighting lasted even after the signing of the unconditional surrender of Germany on the 8th May 1945 , when German troops tried to surrender to the U.S. Army because of Soviet captivity, fears. These fighting units of the participants in the Waffen SS , but it was the exception that the names of the participating units and the Wehrmacht . Even from 9 to 11 May there was sporadic fighting and killings of civilians Czech. Eg. in the village Lejčková Tabor shot on the ninth May the German troops to the people who came to watch the road retreat of German army to shoot unarmed civilians there and elsewhere. Last shots fell on the 11th May 1945 Milína in Pribram , where units of the SS elicited a white flag partisan parliamentarian and shot them. 1945th Then the battle began, in which an open confrontation with the Germans fell 60 Czech partisans. In total, Czech uprising required in Prague 3700 lives, in the Czech and Moravian countryside died about 8000 other people, while the number of victims are included as people who fought against the invaders, the Nazis and murdered civilians. Czech uprising in May significantly undermine the German leadership's intentions to build a "fortress" that should be defended to the rift between Western powers and the USSR . Avoid the widespread and devastating military engagements in the Czech Republic and probably was also shortened the war.
Senior Citizen's Day Palau - M a y 0 5
Palau celebrates Senior Citizen’s Day on the 5th of March every year. The holiday aims to recognize the important role played by the old folks when they were still young. Palau citizens believe that how the young treat its old citizens is a reflection of their culture and their personal values.
History
Palau is one of the few countries in the world with comprehensive programs on the welfare of old citizens. It dedicates this holiday to people whose age fall from 55 and up. Palau also provides trips to Airai, Ngardmau, and Melekeok, for senior citizens during the celebration. The holiday is a clear indication that Palau’s culture shows appreciation and value to the elders and that the bonds between the elderly and the youth is still strong and that the seniors are the clear link to Palau’s national heritage and traditions.
Celebrations During Senior Citizens’ Day, local dance performances from seniors and children are held along with handicraft ex-
hibitions. Parades with colourful floats are common in streets during the holiday with senior citizen contingents coming different sectors of society. It is also during this time when the government announces important projects or laws pertaining to this sector and reports on the many developments for the welfare of its senior citizens. Local governments invite key senior citizens in the region for seminars, and luncheons. Senior Citizens’ Day is a public holiday; it is a work-free day and government offices including the congress are closed.
Liberation Day Netherlands - M a y 0 5
In the Netherlands, Liberation Day (Dutch: Bevrijdingsdag) is celebrated each year on May 5th, to mark the end of the occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II. The nation was liberated largely by Canadian troops, with the assistance of the British and American Armies (see Operation Market Garden) and French airborne (see Operation Amherst). On the 5th of May 1945, the Canadian General Charles Foulkes and the German Commanderin-Chief Johannes Blaskowitz reached an agreement on the capitulation of German forces in the Netherlands in Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen. One day later, the capitulation document was signed in the auditorium of Wageningen University, located next-door to the hotel. After the liberation in 1945, Liberation Day was commemorated every 5 years. Finally, in 1990, the day was declared to be a national holiday, when the liberation would be commemorated and celebrated every year. On May 4th, the Dutch hold the Remembrance of the Dead for the people who fought and died during World War II, and in wars in general. There is a remembrance gathering in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam and at the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam. Throughout the country, two minutes of silence are observed at 8:00 p.m. On May 5th, the liberation is celebrated and festivals are held at most places in the Netherlands.
Army Day Bulgaria - M a y 0 6
Bulgaria celebrates, May 6, the Day of Saint George the Victorious, and the Day of the Bulgarian Army. May 6 was officially pronounced as the Day of the Bulgarian Army on January 9, 1880, shortly after the establishment of the country's military with a decree of Knyaz Alexander Battenberg. After the Communist regime came to power, in 1946, the holiday was banned to be reinstated on January 27, 1993 with a decision of the Bulgarian cabinet. Since 1998 it has been marked as a national holiday, and it is a day off for workers across the country. On the sidelines of the celebrations of the Day of Bulgarian army, May 6 marks also the national feast Gergyovden, the day of one of the most popular saints - St. George, who is among the few venerated by Christians and Muslims alike. Saint George the Victorious (Pobedonosets), canonized by the Church because of his brave deeds, is usually painted on icons as riding a white horse with his lance stabbed in the throat of a beast - the dragon. Legend has it that the dragon used to attack the shepherds and their sheep and steal a sheep or a lamb. The shepherds were desperate. Then St. George appeared and killed the dragon. The holy martyr St. George the Victor has been considered one of the most important Saints ever since Christianity became the official state religion in Bulgaria in the 9th century. In Bulgaria St. George is the patron of spring verdure and fertility, and of shepherds and farmers. His Day, May 6, is believed to set in summer and the new farming cycle. A common ritual is to cook and eat a whole lamb, which is an ancient practice possibly related to Slavic pagan sacrificial traditions and the fact that St. George is the patron saint of shepherds. Special place on the table is attributed to the ritual Gergyovden bread. All sorts of bread are made for the feast - the cross bread, the shepherd's bread, the large ring-bread, as well as small ones, or the special ring-shaped bun baked by the young wife in the house. In Bulgaria, May 6 is the name day of Georgi and Gancho for the males, and of Gergana, Ginka, Galiya for the females.
Photo: Lajos Nagy, MTI (Online 30 Apr) Hungarian and American soldiers laid wreaths and went on a memorial march on April 28, in remembrance of the victims of the terror attack committed at the 117th Boston marathon. The victims of the terror attack com-
mitted on April 15 during the 117th Boston marathon running race were commemorated with wreath-laying and a memorial march at the Újmajor base of the Hungarian Defence Forces. Besides the Hungarians, the partici-
pants of the memorial march included American soldiers who arrived in Hungary to participate in the NATO CREVAL exercise which is due to start on April 29.
Péter Szijjártó negotiates with Uzbekistani Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Online 02 May) The Hungarian Government welcomes the World Jewish Congress’s session in Budapest, and hopes that a personal encounter will help the organization’s members assess concerns regarding the country themselves, Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi said. In a commentary published in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on 2 May 2013, Minister Martonyi said that WJC President Ronald S. Lauder had criticized Hungarian politics and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in an article published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung in April. Lauder had said that anti-Semitic and anti-Roma manifestations had dramatically increased since the change of government in Hungary in 2010, that pressure had mounted on the independent media and that the fourth constitutional amendment had endangered democratic institutions. Martonyi said it was important that
members of the WJC from as many countries as possible should gain a first hand view of the situation of the Jewish community in Hungary and see if concerns and generalisations were justified. Hungary has one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe and a Jewish religious and cultural renaissance is currently being experienced, especially in Budapest -- Martonyi told the paper. At the same time, „unfortunately there are also anti-Semites”, some of whom „propagate their outrageous beliefs on the streets”. Martonyi said that far-right movements had gained strength under Hungary’s previous Socialist governments and this „heritage had indeed caused the emergence of worrying manifestations”. The Government should now act to help the far right „find its way back to a moderate democratic community,” he said. The Minister added, however, that without diminishing the importance of individual cases of anti-Semitism, European sta-
tistics on crimes with racist motivations should be taken into consideration to acquire the right perspective on the Hungarian situation. Martonyi noted that the Orbán Government had enacted legislation to prevent far right uniformed marches and intimidation, including the much-criticized fourth constitutional amendment, which widened the scope of legal sanctions against racist and anti-Semitic manifestations. The Minister added that, despite pessimistic prognoses triggered by the new Media Law, criticism of the Hungarian Government is still „visible and audible everywhere”. He also noted that Parliament had amended the laws criticized by the European organizations. Martonyi said that the Government aims to restore social cohesion while abiding by its 2011 pledge to universal European values.
Battle of Puebla Mexico - M a y 0 5
The Battle of Puebla took place on 5 May 1862 near the city of Puebla during theFrench intervention in Mexico. The battle ended in a victory for the Mexican Armyover the occupying French forces. The victory is celebrated annually in the United States and some parts of Mexico during the festivities of Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May.
Background The 1857–62 Mexican civil war known as The Re-
form War had disorganised the country's finances and the new President, Benito Juárez, was forced to suspend payments of foreign debts in 1861. In late 1861 Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, under the Treaty of London (1861) sent a joint expeditionary force to Mexico, alongside Spanish and British forces, to protect their interests and collect the debts owed by the previous Mexican government. The allied troops occupied the port city of Veracruz on 8 December 1861 and advanced to Orizaba. Napoleon III wanted to seize the opportunity presented by the U.S. involvement in the Civil War to set up a puppet Mexican regime. Napoleon's intrigues led to the withdrawal of the Spanish and British troops in April 1862 at the same time that French reinforcements arrived.
Event
The French expeditionary force at the time was led by General Charles de Lorencez. The battle came about by a misunderstanding of the French forces’ agreement to withdraw to the coast. When the Mexican people saw these French soldiers on the march, they took it that hostilities had recommenced and felt threatened. To add to the mounting concerns, it was discovered that political negotiations for the withdrawal had broken down. A vehement complaint was lodged by the Mexicans to General Lorencez who took the effrontery as a plan to assail his forces. Lorencez decided to hold up his withdrawal to the coast by occupying Orizaba instead, which prevented the Mexicans from being able to defend the passes between Orizaba and the landing port of Veracruz. The 33-year-old Mexican Commander General, Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, fell back to Alcuzingo Pass where he and his army were badly beaten in a skirmish with Lorencez's forces on 28 April. Zaragoza retreated to Puebla which was heavily fortified – it had been held by the Mexican government since the Reform War. To its north stood the forts Loreto and Guadalupe on opposite hilltops. Zaragoza had a trench dug to join the forts via thesaddle. Lorencez was led to believe that the people of Puebla were friendly to the French, and that the Mexican Republican garrison which kept the people in line would be overrun by the population once he made a show of force. This would prove to be a serious miscalculation on Lorencez's part. On 5 May 1862, against all advice, Lorencez decided to attack Puebla from the north. However, he started his attack a little too late in the day, using his artillery just before noon and by noon advancing his infantry. By the third attack the French required the full engagement of all their reserves. The French artillery had run out of ammunition, so the third infantry attack went unsupported. The Mexican forces and the Republican garrison both put up a stout defense and even took to the field to defend the positions between the hilltop forts. As the French retreated from their final assault, Zaragoza had his cavalry attack them from the right and left while troops concealed along the road pivoted out to flank them badly. By 3 p.m. the daily rains had started, making a slippery quagmire of the battlefield. Lorencez withdrew to distant positions, counting 462 of his men killed against only 83 of the Mexicans. He waited a couple of days for Zaragoza to attack again, but Zaragoza held his ground. Lorencez then completely withdrew to Orizaba.
Aftermath The Battle of Puebla was an inspirational event for wartime Mexico, and it provided a stunning revelation to the rest
of the world which had largely expected a rapid victory for French arms. Slowed by their loss at Puebla, the French forces retreated and regrouped, and the invasion continued after Napoleon III determinedly sent additional troops to Mexico. The French were eventually victorious, winning the Second Battle of Puebla on 17 May 1863 and pushing on toMexico City. When the capital fell, Juárez's government was forced into exile in the remote north. With the backing of France, the Habsburg Archduke Maximilian became Emperor of Mexico in the short-lived Second Mexican Empire. "Some have argued that the true French occupation was a response to growing American power and to the Monroe Doctrine (America for the Americans). Napoleon III believed that if the United States was allowed to prosper indiscriminately, it would eventually become a power in and of itself."
Celebration
On 16 September 1862, President Juárez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday, regarded as "Battle of Puebla Day" or Battle of Cinco de Mayo". Although today it is recognized in some countries as a day of Mexican heritage celebration, it is not a federal holiday in Mexico. A common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico. The actual Independence Day,Grito de Dolores, is celebrated on dieciséis de septiembre, the 16th of September. Since the 1930s, a re-enactment of the Battle of Puebla has been held each year at Peñón de los Baños, a rocky outcrop close to Mexico City International Airport.
Martyr's Day Lebanon, Syria - M a y 0 6
Syria shares the celebration of Martyr’s Day with Lebanon on the 6th of May every year. The holiday commemorates the death of both Syria and Lebanon’s nationalists during the occupation by the Ottoman Empire. The nationalists were executed on May 6, 1916 in Marjeh Square (Damascus, Syria) and Burj Square (Beirut, Lebanon) respectively by the Ottoman Young Turk Ahmed Djemal or more commonly known as Jamal Pasha.
History Syria has been under the control of the Ottoman Empire since
the latter part of the 15th century until the downfall of the latter on May 1916. The march towards Syrian independence was long and bloody. The earlier part of the 20th century saw the birth of Syrian intellectuals who heavily campaigned for the independence of Syria from the Ottoman rule. The clandestine conferences and meetings they had with other intellectuals in Paris, France were made known to the Turks. As a result, Sultan Abdul Hamid ordered the arrest of these Arab leaders and forced to renounce their nationalist ideals and plans towards a democratic and independent Syria. However, the nationalists bravely stood by their resolve and bravely faced their destiny so that in May 6, 1916, all of them were executed by hanging in Damascus and Beirut. The nationalists executed were Shukri al-Assali, Omar al-Jazairi, Rushdi al-Shamaa, Abdelhamid al-Zahrawi, Shafiq al-Muayyad, and. Abdel Wahab al-Englizi. Their martyrdom has created strong international ties between the Syria and Lebanon since then.
Celebrations Leaders of Syria and Lebanon celebrate this day by visiting
the war memorial in Damascus, Syria, particularly the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a memorial tomb dedicated to the Syrian soldiers who perished in the war against the Ottoman Empire. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was built in 1994 shape like a dome with an arch right above it. The monument is famous for the five large paintings displayed along the hall which depicts the five heroic battles fought in the history of Arab nations namely: Battle of Yarmouk, Battle of Sultan Yacoub, Battle of Mount Hermon, Battle of Maysaloun, and the Battle of Hattin. The government of Syria may hold a luncheon or banquet for the children or relatives of the martyrs as a way of paying respects to the bravery of martyrs. Public speeches coming from local government officials delivered in behalf of the president are held every year in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Damascus.
Samuel K. Doe Day Liberia - M a y 0 6
Samuel Kanyon Doe (May 6, 1951 – September 9, 1990) was the 21st President of Liberia, serving from 1986 until his assassination in 1990. He had previously served as Chairman of the People's Redemption Council from 1980 to 1986. He was the first indigenous head of state in Liberian history. Doe was a part of a rural tribe in inland Liberia. The Krahn are a minority ethnic group but part of the large majority of the Liberian population that are of indigenous descent. These groups faced economic and political domination by the Americo-Liberian elites, who were descended from free-born and formerly enslaved blacks from America who founded Liberia in 1847. Under Doe, Liberian ports were opened to Canadian, Chinese and European ships, which brought in considerable foreign investment from foreign shipping firms and earned Liberia a reputation as a tax haven. Doe attempted to legitimize his regime with a new constitution in 1984 and elections in 1985. However, opposition to his rule only increased, especially after the 1985 elections which were declared to be fraudulent by the U.S. and other foreign observers. In the late 1980s, as fiscal austerity took hold in the United States and the threat of Communism declined with the waning of the Cold War, the U.S. became disenchanted with entrenched corruption in Doe's government and began cutting off critical foreign aid to Doe. This, combined with the popular anger generated by Doe's favoritism toward his native Krahn tribe, placed him in a very precarious position. A civil war began in December 1989, when rebels intent on toppling Doe entered Liberia. Doe's forces were defeated, and in September 1990 he was captured, tortured, and killed.
Hidirellez Festival Turkey - M a y 0 6
When looked at antiquity (ancient times) in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Iran, Greece and even in countries surrounding the Mediterranean it has been seen that rituals and celebrations had been performed in the name of some Gods in relation with arrival of spring or summer. Documents showing that one of the oldest of these rituals had been performed in Ur city of Mesopotamia by the end of III. Thousand B.C.. The said ritual had been performed at the end of Winter in the name of “Tammuz” representing stimulating power of Euphrates (Fırat) and Tigris (Dicle) irrigating Mesopotamia plain. Upon arrival of Spring revival of nature and prosperity and abundance and productivity had been celebrated by festivals in the name of the God called “Dumuzi”. It has been known that culture of “Tammuz” had been transferred to the ancient Greece and Anatolia via Hebrew over Syria and Egypt. Arrival of Spring or Summer which means revival of Nature and its starting to live again is an important event in the life of human being in every corner of the World. A widespread belief in connection with tradition of “Hıdırellez” is performance of a celebration for commemoration of the date on which “Hızır” and “İlyas” came together. The day of “Hıdırellez” has been generally celebrated on May 6th. In some regions May 5th has been accepted as the day of Festival and May 6th as the day of “Hıdırellez” and ceremonies have been arranged accordingly. The day of “Hıdırellez” (Ruz-ı Hızır) has been considered as the beginning of Summer in the Public Calendar. According to the Public Calendar among Turks one year has been divided into two sections. The period from the day of “Hıdırellez” (May 6th) to November 8th is 186 days and mentioned under the name of “Hızır Days”. This period has been named as the Summer season. The second period extending from November 8th to May 6th is the Winter season and named as “Days of November”, lasting 179 days. Traditions, beliefs, ceremonies established around “Hıdırellez” have been confused generally with “Sultan Nevruz” and other traditions and ceremonies performed for meeting the Spring. Because Spring Festivals have been concentrated on several important days. In this connection it is possible to see whole of “Hıdırellez” or other Spring ceremonies in the course of celebration of any one of them. In Turkish communities both in Anatolia and out of Anatolia with the approach of “Hıdırellez” assorted preparations have been made. Houses have been thoroughly cleaned up, household effects, kitchenware, clothes have been cleaned from top to toe. These works have been performed in order to have “Hızır” (A.S.) visit the house. On the other hand on “Hıdırellez” day lamb or kid, assortment of dishes have been cooked, and in the mean time preparation of a lot of food has been completed. In some regions there are some people who meet “Hıdırellez” by fasting (oruç) one day before the day of “Hıdırellez”. Upon completion of all preparations people go to the nearest picnic places full of trees and having spring and try to pass the day of “Hıdırellez” happily with various plays, entertainments. Places where “Hıdırellez” has been celebrated are generally watery and green areas. In conformity with the tradition there are picnic places called “Hıdırlık” at various regions of Anatolia. At these regions such customs as visiting tombs of great religious leaders, vowing or tying a piece of cloth at such places as graveyard, tomb of a holy person (saint), etc. which have been considered sacred places by indigenous people have also been exercised. Of course the most important ceremony exercised in “Hıdırellez” is the “play of wish”. It has been exercised in order that young girls become lucky, determine their fortune. According to regions the play has different names: drawing lots of wish, fortune pot, lucky, prosperity, etc. The play has been performed as follows: water brought in a pitcher is poured in a pot. Everybody throws a sign into the pot holding water. Such signs may be also sweet basil, mint, “mantuvar” flower in addition to usually ring, earring, etc. The pot is covered with a cloth on the eve of “Hıdırellez” and placed under a rosewood. A lock is put on the pot and locked as a custom. On the other day girls coming together again take the pot under rosewood. Lock is opened and one of them starts to draw lots. In the mean time folk songs are sung. Each folk song is accepted for the fate of the girl whose sign is drawn. This play goes on until the last sign is drawn. In folk songs which have been sung during performance of the play such themes as hope, joy, firmness, love, affection, tenderness, goodness, brotherhood, living abroad, patriotism, etc have been treated. One of the widespread beliefs concerning the day of “Hıdırellez” has shown itself in the tradition of making yoghurt. On the day of “Hıdırellez” yoghurt is made without using ferment. If it becomes yoghurt it is believed that “Hızır” visited home.
National Nurses Day U.S. - M a y 0 6
National Nurses Day, also known as National RN Recognition Day, is always celebrated on May 6thand opens National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, the birth date of Florence Nightingale. National Nurses Week is one of the nation's largest health care events, recognizing the contributions and commitments nurses make and educating the public about the significant work they perform. The American Nurses Association (ANA) supports and encourages National Nurses Week through state and district nurses associations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions. The week-long celebration is designed to accommodate the variety of schedules nurses are required to work. Activities during National Nurses Week typically include banquets and recognition dinners, state and city proclamations, continuing education seminars, and other community events. Nurses are typically honored with gifts, dinners, and flowers by friends and family members, coworkers such as doctors and administrators, and patients who want to show their appreciation. The history of Nurses Day can be traced back to 1953 when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a "Nurse Day" in October of the following year. The proclamation was never made, but the following year National Nurses Week was observed from October 11 – 16, marking the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea. In 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a "National Nurse Week." In 1981, a resolution was initiated by nurses in New Mexico to have May 6th declared "National Recognition Day for Nurses." This proposal was promoted by the ANA Board of Directors and in 1982, with a joint resolution, the United States Congress designated May 6th to be "National Recognition Day for Nurses." The proposal was signed by President Reagan, making May 6 the official "National Recognition Day for Nurses." It was later expanded by the ANA Board of Directors in 1990 to a week-long celebration (May 6-12) known as "National Nurses Week." National Student Nurses Day is celebrated each year on May 8th. At the request of the National Student Nurses Association, the ANA Board of Directors designated May 8th as National Student Nurses Day beginning in 1998. And as of 2003, the ANA has declared that National School NurseDay is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week. International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on May 12th of each year. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) commemorates this day each year with the production and distribution of the International Nurses' Day Kit which includes educational and public information materials for use by nurses everywhere. The ICN has celebrated International Nurses Day since 1965.
V-E Day International - M a y 0 8
Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day or VE Day) commemorates May 8, 1945 (in commonwealth countries; May 7,1945), the date when the World War II Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. The formal surrender of the occupying German forces in the Channel Islands was not until May 9, 1945. On 30 April Hitler committed suicide during the Battle of Berlin, and so the surrender of Germany was authorized by his replacement, President of Germany Karl Dönitz. The administration headed by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg government. The act of military surrender was signed on 7 May in Reims, France, and ratified on 8 May in Berlin, Germany.
Celebrations In the United Kingdom, more than one million people celebrated in the streets to mark the end of the European part
of the war. In the UK, crowds massed in Trafalgar Square and up The Mall toBuckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Prime MinisterWinston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the Palace before the cheering crowds. PrincessElizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret were allowed to wander anonymously among the crowds and take part in the celebrations. In the United States, President Harry Truman, who turned 61 that day, dedicated the victory to the memory of his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died of a cerebral hemorrhage less than a month earlier, on 12 April. Flags remained at half-mast for the remainder of the 30-day mourning period. Truman said of dedicating the victory to Roosevelt's memory and keeping the flags at half-staff that his only wish was "that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day." Massive celebrations also took place in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and especially in New York City'sTimes Square. Victory celebrations in Canada were marred by the Halifax Riot.
Soviet Victory Day:
As the Soviet Union was to the east of Germany it was May 9 Moscow Time when German military surrender became effective, which is why Eastern European countries like Russia and former Soviet republics commemorate Victory Day on May 9 instead of May 8.
May 8 as public holiday
• United Kingdom - 1995 May Day Bank Holiday was moved from 1 May to 8 May to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War. • The former East Germany as Tag der Befreiung (Day of Liberation), a public holiday from 1950 to 1966 and in 1985. Between 1975 and 1990, as Tag des Sieges (Victory Day (May 9)). • The German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, since 2002, a commemorative day as Tag der Befreiung vom Nationalsozialismus und der Beendigung des 2. Weltkrieges (Day of Liberation from National Socialism, and the End of the 2nd World War). • France as Victoire 1945 • Slovakia as Deň víťazstva nad fašizmom (Victory over Fascism Day) • Czech Republic as Den vítězství or Den osvobození (Day of Liberation) • Norway as "Frigjøringsdagen" (Liberation Day) • Denmark (May 5) as "Befrielsen" (The Liberation) • The Netherlands (May 5) as "Bevrijdingsdag" (Liberation Day) • Ukraine (9 May) Victory Day
(Online 03 May) The 14th General Assembly of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) will take place in Budapest between 5-7 May. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed in his letter to President of the World Jewish Congress Ronald S. Lauder that it is an honour for Hungary to host the event. Numerous high-ranking governmental officials will participate and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will address the opening ceremony. János Lázár, Minister of State heading the Prime Minister’s Office declared that the Government will do everything in its power so that the human dignity of the participants and Hungarian Jewish communities cannot be harmed. Reaffirming this state-
ment, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has instructed Minister of Interior Affairs Sándor Pintér to not allow any event or demonstration that could harm human dignity. In relation to the Prime Minister's order, the Captain of Budapest City Police banned an antiBolshevist and anti-Zionist demonstration organized in parallel with the opening of the World Jewish Congress. The decision of the Budapest City Police was overruled by the Budapest Metropolitan Court and according to its decision the demonstration may be held. Reacting to the judgement of the Budapest Metropolitan Court Viktor Orbán stated that „I find today's court ruling on Saturday's anti-Zionist
demonstration unacceptable. My stance is clear: no matter in what disguise, there is no place in Hungary for events of an obviously anti-Semitic nature and for the circumvention of the rule of law. Allowing such organised meetings is incompatible with the values of the Hungarian people and with the contents and spirit of the constitution. I would ask the Chairman of the Supreme Court to consider what legal instruments Hungary has at its disposal to enforce the Constitution. At the same time, I hereby order the Minister of Interior to utilize all legal means to prevent this anti-constitutional demonstration.”
H unga r ia n e m ploy m e nt t r e nd outs t a nding within Eur ope (Online 02 May) According to Eurostat data, employment stagnated in the past two years with regard to EU averages. On the other hand, in the Euro-zone the employment rate among those aged 15-64 years decreased by 0.5
percent which was the result - to a large extent -- of inaustrends in the picious peripheral countries. In Hungary, this indicator improved from 55.8 percent in Q4 2010 by 2 percentage points to 57.8 percent in the corresponding
period of 2012. Therefore, along with the Baltic states and Malta, Hungary belongs to those countries within the European Union where employment growth was the largest in the past two years.
Hungary is committed to European Union values (Online 02 May) Hungary is obviously an integral part of Europe and is dedicated to its values, Foreign Minister János Martonyi said on 1 May 2013, on the 9th anniversary of the country’s accession to the EU. The Government does not want by any means to reconsider Hungary’s EU membership but considers it important to protect the country’s national interests, while at the same time working to strengthen the bloc’s integration and its renewal, János
Martonyi said on public television. He said that Euroscepticism was on the rise throughout Europe, with many doubting the sense and purpose of the EU itself. The situation is similar in Hungary, he said, but blamed it on seven years of crisis, starting with a domestic economic, political and moral crisis in 2006 that was followed by the global crisis. Martonyi said that the disputes with Brussels over the past several years provide an opportunity for the Hun-
garian Government to explain its policies and the motivation behind its decisions. He added that there had been misunderstandings as well, with political considerations in the background. The facts must be addressed on Hungary’s disputes with Brussels, he said. He stressed the country’s readiness to continue dialogue and noted that consultations had already yielded solutions with relation to several disputed issues.
Hungary and United Arab Emirates sign economic agreement (Online 30 Apr) In order to boost economic relations, an agreement was signed between Hungary and the United Arab Emirates by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó in Dubai amongst others on avoiding
double taxation and the establishment of a trade house in Abu-Dhabi. The agreement on avoiding double taxation is the first interstate agreement between the two countries the State Secretary pointed out, adding that it is an important step for Emirati
investors, creating a predictable and stable business environment. According to the State Secretary talks on an economic cooperation agreement will commence and a joint economic committee will be established.
PM welcomes the delivery of new buses for public transport in the capital (Online 30 Apr) Prime Minister Viktor Orbán addressed a ceremony on Tuesday, in which the city of Budapest took delivery of new Mercedes Citaro buses, stating that "without a strong and successful capital there isn't a strong and successful Hungary". Winner of the tender last year VT Transman will provide the Budapest Public Transport Centre (BKK) with bus services worth an annual 10 billion forints. It took delivery of the first
50 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses at a ceremony in Heroes' Square, as part of a 159-unit order. Prime Minister Orbán said Hungary is now performing better and Budapest is also showing that it is capable of more than it had been capable of in the past. He said the people of Budapest deserved to have the world's most modern bus technology operating on the streets of the capital. Mayor of Budapest István Tarlós joined the Prime Minister at the cere-
mony and emphasised that the standard of public transport has to be raised. He noted that the new vehicles would be the first low-floor buses to take the streets of Budapest since 2006. The capital recently authorised the taking over of up to two-thirds of the city's bus services by private contractors. The number of buses owned an operated by private contractors in the capital is set to rise from 150 in 2013 to 450 by 2014 and to 900 by 2016.
D e f ic it will r e m a in be low 3 % in c om ing y e a r s : M inis te r Va r ga (Online 03 May) The Hungarian Government considers the European Commission’s Spring Economic Forecast on the country’s budget deficit unfair and incorrect, Minister of National Economy Mihály Varga stated on Friday. The forecast calculates with the deficit exceeding 3% in 2013 and 2014, while the Government expects it to remain below it. He said that it seems to the Govern-
ment as if the Commission is using double standards in its evaluation, but added that Ollio Rehn’s press conference was promising regarding the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP). The Minister emphasised that there is a good chance that after nine years Hungary will exit the EDP in June even without any additional measures. At the press conference, Minister
Varga stated that the Government currently plans no amendments to this year’s or next year’s budget, but will keep the deficit level under 3%, as previously. In case further steps do become necessary, the Hungarian Government will be capable of handling it without outside help, he added.
D e f ic it will r e m a in be low 3 % in c om ing y e a r s : M inis te r Va r ga (Online 03 May) The Hungarian Government considers the European Commission’s Spring Economic Forecast on the country’s budget deficit unfair and incorrect, Minister of National Economy Mihály Varga stated on Friday. The forecast calculates with the deficit exceeding 3% in 2013 and 2014, while the Government expects it to remain below it. He said that it seems to the Government as
if the Commission is using double standards in its evaluation, but added that Ollio Rehn’s press conference was promising regarding the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP). The Minister emphasised that there is a good chance that after nine years Hungary will exit the EDP in June even without any additional measures. At the press conference, Minister Varga
stated that the Government currently plans no amendments to this year’s or next year’s budget, but will keep the deficit level under 3%, as previously. In case further steps do become necessary, the Hungarian Government will be capable of handling it without outside help, he added.
Hungary celebrates Croatia EU accession with series of programmes: Deputy PM (Online 03 May) Hungary and Croatia will together organise events this year to celebrate Croatia's official accession with the EU, Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics said on Friday. As Hungarians and Croatians lived together under a common state for 800 years and their two countries are strategic partners it is important to jointly celebrate Croatia's entering the EU, Navracsics told a press conference. He said that Croatia is now joining a series of programmes Hungary and Poland
launched together in 2011 and continued in 2012. As the first of the tripartite events, Navracsics, who is also justice minister, Croatian Ambassador Gordan Grlic Radman and Polish Ambassador Roman Kowalski opened a photo exhibition of works representing the three countries in the Justice Ministry. Up next in a series of Croatia events is an archaeology exhibition the Budapest History Museum will host, to be followed by a joint concert by the Hungarian Na-
tional Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Zagreb on June 26. In the autumn, a camp for Hungarian, Croatian and Polish children will be held in Zanka, at Lake Balaton in western Hungary, Navracsics said. At the press conference, the Croatian ambassador thanked Hungary and Poland for their standing support to Croatia throughout its entire EU accession process.
Red Cross Day Worldwide - M a y 0 8
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an international humanitarian movement with approximately 97 million volunteers, members and staff worldwide which was founded to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without any discrimination based on nationality, race, sex,religious beliefs, class or political opinions. The movement consists of several distinct organizations that are legally independent from each other, but are united within the movement through common basic principles, objectives, symbols, statutes and governing organs. The movement's parts are: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) • is a private humanitarian institution founded in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, by Henry Dunant. Its 25-member committee has a unique authority under international humanitarian law to protect the life and dignity of the victims of international and internal armed conflicts. The ICRC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on three occasions (in 1917, 1944 and 1963). The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was founded in 1919 and • today it coordinates activities between the 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies within the Movement. On an international level, the Federation leads and organizes, in close cooperation with the National Societies, relief assistance missions responding to large-scale emergencies. The International Federation Secretariat is based inGeneva, Switzerland. In 1963, the Federation (then known as the League of Red Cross Societies) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the ICRC. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies exist in nearly every country in the world. Currently 186 • National Societies are recognized by the ICRC and admitted as full members of the Federation. Each entity works in its home country according to the principles of international humanitarian law and the statutes of the international Movement. Depending on their specific circumstances and capacities, National Societies can take on additional humanitarian tasks that are not directly defined by international humanitarian law or the mandates of the international Movement. In many countries, they are tightly linked to the respective national health care system by providing emergency medical services.
Victory Day International - M a y 0 9
Victory Day or 9 May marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the Second World War (also known as the Great Patriotic War in the Soviet Union and most post-Soviet states). It was first inaugurated in the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union, following the signing of the surrender document late in the evening on 8 May 1945 (after midnight, thus on 9 May, by Moscow Time). The Soviet government announced the victory early on 9 May after the signing ceremony in Berlin. Though the official inauguration happened in 1945 (which means it has been celebrated since 1946), the holiday became a non-labour day only in 1965 and only in some of the countries. In communist East Germany, a Sovietstyle "Victory Day" on 9 May was an official holiday from 1975 until the end of the republic in 1990. Prior to that, "Liberation Day" was celebrated on 8 May, between 1950 and 1966, and again on the 40th anniversary in 1985. Since 2002, the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has observed a commemoration day known as the "Day of Liberation from National Socialism, and the End of the Second World War". In 1988, before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Victory Day ceased to be observed in Uzbekistan, but was partially restored in 1999 as Memorial/Remembrance Day. After their separation from the Soviet Union, the Baltic countries now commemorate the end of WWII on 8 May, the Victory in Europe Day. But many people in Baltic countries still gather to celebrate the Victory Day on 9 May.
History Two separate capitulation events took place at the time. First, the capitulation to the Allied nations inReims was signed
on 7 May 1945, effective 23:01 CET 8 May. This date is commonly referred to as the V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) in most western European countries. The other World War II victory day, the V-J day (Victory in Japan Day) is commemorated in August, and is of considerably lesser significance in Europe. However, the Soviet Union's only representative in Reims was General Ivan Susloparov, the Military Liaison Mission Commander. General Susloparov's scope of authority was not entirely clear, and he had no means of immediate contact with the Kremlin, but nevertheless decided to sign for the Soviet side. Susloparov was caught off guard; he had no instructions from Moscow. But if he did not sign, he risked a German surrender without Soviet participation. However, he noted that it could be replaced with a new version in the future. Joseph Stalin was later displeased by these events, believing that the German surrender should have been accepted only by the envoy of the USSR Supreme command and signed only in Berlin and insisted the Reims protocol be considered preliminary, with the main ceremony to be held in Berlin, where Marshal Zhukov was at the time, as the latter recounts in his memoirs: “[Quoting Stalin:] Today, in Reims, Germans signed the preliminary act on an unconditional surrender. The main contribution, however, was done by Soviet people and not by the Allies, therefore the capitulation must be signed in front of the Supreme Command of all countries of the anti-Hitlercoalition, and not only in front of the Supreme Command of Allied Forces. Moreover, I disagree that the surrender was not signed in Berlin, which was the center of Nazi aggression. We agreed with the Allies to consider the Reims protocol as preliminary.” Therefore, another ceremony was organized in a surviving manor in the outskirts of Berlin late on 8 May, when it was already 9 May in Moscow due to the difference in time zones. Field-Marshal Wilhelm Keitel submitted the capitulation of the Wehrmacht to Marshal Georgy Zhukov in the Soviet Army headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst. To commemorate the victory in the war, the ceremonial Moscow Victory Parade was held in the Soviet capital on 24 June 1945 (four years and two days after the beginning of Operation Barbarossa - the invasion of the Soviet Union).
Countries in which 9 May is celebrated:
Armenia has officially recognised 9 May since 1946; Azerbaijan has officially recognised 9 May since 1946; Belarus has officially recognised 9 May since 1946 and considered it non-labor in the past; Bosnia and Herzegovina has officially recognised 9 May as the Victory Day over Fascism and considers it a non-working day. British Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey were not liberated from German occupation until 9 May 1945, and Sark on 10 May 1945, and celebrate those dates as their Liberation Days. Georgia has officially recognised 9 May since 1946; German Democratic Republic recognised Tag des Sieges (Victory Day) on 9 May as a public holiday between 1975 and the end of the republic in 1990. Earlier, the Tag der Befreiung(Day of liberation) was celebrated on 8 May as a public holiday, from 1950 to 1966, and on the 40th anniversary in 1985. Germany does not officially recognise 9 May as a holiday. However, celebrations continue to take place in some areas of the former German Democratic Republic. Also, on 8 May, the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern since 2002 has recognised a commemorative dayTag der Befreiung vom Nationalsozialismus und der Beendigung des 2. Weltkrieges (Day of Liberation from National Socialism, and the End of the Second World War). Israel has officially recognised 9 May since 2000. Kazakhstan has officially recognised 9 May since 1947. It's a non-working day. The holiday is sometimes celebrated in connection with other national holidays on 10 and 11 May. Kyrgyzstan has officially recognised 9 May since 1946; Moldova has officially recognised 9 May since 1951; Russia has officially recognised 9 May since 1946 and considers it a non-working day even if it falls on a weekend (in which case any following Monday will be non-working); Serbia celebrates 9 May as the Victory Day over Fascism but it's a working holiday. Still many people gather to mark the anniversary with the war veterans, including Serbian army, Minister of Defense and the President. Tajikistan has officially recognised 9 May since 1946; Turkmenistan has officially recognised 9 May since 1946; Ukraine has officially recognised 9 May since 1946 and considers it a non-working day even if it falls on a weekend (in which case any following Monday will be non-working); Uzbekistan has officially recognised 9 May from 1946 until 1988. Starting 1999, the holiday was restored as "Memorial/Remembrance Day;. Yugoslavia officially recognised 9 May as the Victory Day over Fascism as an all-state non-working holiday. Russophone populations in many world countries celebrate the holiday regardless of its local status. Many Russian communities in United States and Canada, also for example in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania organize public gatherings and even parades on this day. In Europe, some multi language broadcasting television chains translate the "Victory speech" of the Russian president and the parade on Red Square.
London
Victory Day London is a ceremonial event held annually since 2007 in London on 9 May in commemoration of the Arctic Convoys 1941-1945 and the victory in the Second World War. It is part of the wider commemoration of 9 May Victory Day, marking the German surrender to theSoviet Union. A ceremony is held aboard the cruiser HMS Belfast, moored on the Thames. The event serves as a reunion day for British and Russian veterans of the Arctic Convoys with members of the British Royal Family present. Other participants include the Russian Ambassador, ambassadors of other FSU countries, and other British and Russian dignitaries.
Constitution Day Micronesia - M a y 1 0
The Federated State of Micronesia, or simply, Micronesia, celebrates the founding of its constitution on May 10, 1979 on the same date every year. The celebration, called Constitution Day, is considered as a national holiday in Micronesia and used to commemorate the founding of the country’s first constitution and effort of the people who allotted their time and energy in the development of the supreme law of the land. The Federated States of Micronesia is an island nation comprising four administrative divisions: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Military defense is provided by the United States.
History
Micronesia march to independence started when people from Kusaie, Yap, Ponape, and Truk (Micronesia’s four states), adopted a constitution in 1979. The Micronesian Constitutional Convention made the draft of the constitution in 1975 only to be adopted four years later. In 1986, independence was finally achieved although people voted for a free association with the United States surrounded by the terms and conditions as listed in the Compact of Free Association as agreed by the two states.
Celebrations
The president of Micronesia delivers his message to his people as the country marks the celebration of the founding of its constitution. As always, the president will call for national unity and solidarity among people from the many islands that constitute the Federated State of Micronesia and the great strides Micronesians have made in society. There is no significant celebration in the street during this day but families consider this day as a rest day where they could take their children to nearby parks or shopping malls to relax or unwind.
Lupus Day Worldwide - M a y 1 0
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates auto antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. Every day, more than 5 million people worldwide struggle with the often debilitating health consequences of lupus, a potentially fatal autoimmune disease capable of damaging virtually any part of the body, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.
History
World Lupus Day began with a Proclamation 8 years ago by an international steering committee representing lupus organizations from 13 different nations when they met in Eaton, United Kingdom to organize the first observance of World Lupus Day. The Proclamation is a call to action for governments around the world to increase their financial support for lupus research, awareness and patient services. The Proclamation reflects the emerging issues that people with lupus around the world must face every day. The Proclamation serves to give a single voice to all individuals affected by this devastating and debilitating chronic disease.