Berlin, Germany. A range of political, cultural and historical events have taken place on May 5, spanning milestones in sovereignty, elections, commemorations and record-setting moments.
West Germany sovereignty and NATO membership
In 1955, the Federal Republic of (West) Germany became a sovereign state after Allied High Commissioners met to abolish their controlling body set up after the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. West Germany also joined NATO on this day.
East Timor independence agreement
In 1999, Indonesia and Portugal signed an agreement leading to independence for the territory of East Timor.
Hydrogen filling station milestone
In 1999, the world’s first filling station for liquid and gaseous hydrogen was recorded.
Duyfken replica voyage
In 2001, the “Duyfken” (Little Dove) replica vessel left Australia for Amsterdam to commemorate the 400th anniversary of VOC (United East India Company), using the same historic route as the original ship.
French presidential election result
In 2002, Jacques Chirac won 82 percent of the vote in the second round of French presidential elections, defeating far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen with the largest vote in France’s 44-year history.
Death of Walter Sisulu
In 2003, Walter Sisulu, a veteran of the struggle against white minority rule in South Africa and a long-time friend and mentor to Nelson Mandela, died aged 90.
Picasso auction record
In 2004, Picasso’s “Boy With the Pipe” set a new world record for the most expensive painting ever sold at auction when it fetched $104,168,000 at Sotheby’s in New York.
Death of Naushad Ali
In 2006, Naushad Ali, a Bollywood composer and the first to use Indian classical music in Hindi films, died aged 87.
Hummus world record attempt
In 2008, a world record attempt was made for the largest plate of hummus in Jerusalem.
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