May 26 through history: Dunkirk evacuation, SALT I and other major events

London, United Kingdom. Several major events have occurred on May 26, including wartime evacuations, international treaties, political agreements and cultural milestones.

1940

Britain launched a large sea-borne operation to evacuate defeated Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk.

1942

Britain and the Soviet Union signed a treaty providing for full collaboration during and after World War Two.

1969

Apollo 10’s lunar module re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.

1972

The United States and the Soviet Union signed the first Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, known as SALT I, which curbed nuclear weapons.

1986

The Flag of Europe was officially adopted as a symbol of the European Union.

1988

The Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup, with captain Wayne Gretzky before he was traded to the L.A. Kings later that year.

2001

The U.S. Congress gave final approval to a $1.35 trillion tax cut package that was President George W. Bush’s top priority.

2002

Franco-Polish director Roman Polanski won the Cannes film festival’s Palme d’Or for his film “The Pianist”.

2004

The Sudan government and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army signed agreements in Kenya on how to share power and manage disputed strategic areas.