May 7: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

The World Health Organization approved the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.

Vladimir Putin was inaugurated as President of Russia.

The Mummy, directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Brendan Fraser, premiered in the US.

The sci-fi film “The Fifth Element,” written and directed by Luc Besson, was released.

At the time, "The Fifth Element" was the most expensive European film ever made and cost $90 million.

Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream” was found at a hotel, just three months after it had been stolen from a museum.

President Gerald Ford declares an end to the “Vietnam Era.”

The additional week was included as a way to designate special privileges to those in the armed forces at the time.

US Air Force Major Howard Johnson set the world aircraft altitude record in a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. He broke the world altitude record by flying to 91,243 feet.

Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, later renamed to Sony, was founded with approximately 20 employees.

The Germans surrendered to the Allies.

In World War II, General Alfred Jodl at Rheims signed the unconditional surrender of all German forces. Initially, the General tried to limit the terms. However, General Dwight Eisenhower demanded a complete surrender, which was met.

The Democratic Republic of Georgia’s independence was recognized by the Soviet Union.

The two parties signed the Treaty of Moscow, which stated that Georgia must not grant asylum to any military aggressors who aligned against the Union's interests in exchange for recognition of its independence. Nine months later, the Soviet Union broke the agreement and invaded Georgia.

The American Medical Association was formed.

Their mission was "to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health."

Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th (Chorale) Symphony premiered in Vienna.

Often regarded as his greatest work, this choral symphony was the last complete symphony composed by Beethoven. It is widely accepted as his greatest work and a significant achievement in the history of western music. It remains one of the most performed symphonies in the world.

The first inaugural ball was held.

One week after the inauguration of George Washington, the first inaugural ball was held by sponsors in New York City. However, it didn't become a tradition until the 4th President, James Madison.