May 4, 2015 - The Restoration of Independence of Latvia, Remembrance of the Dead and Star Wars Day

The Restoration of Independence of Latvia - Annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, the independent nation of Latvia declared their independence in 1980. It announced it would reinstate the constitution of 1922 and keep laws in force the had been established during the occupation while a new constitution was written. One of the Baltic states that made up the Iron Curtain during the time of the Soviet Union, this helped establish those countries as independent nations with their own cultural histories that they would take back.

 

Remembrance of the Dead (The Netherlands) - Originally a day set aside to remember those Dutch people who died during World War II, the day now remembers all those from The Netherlands who have died since in conflicts since then. Two minutes of silence are observed throughout the country at 8:00PM, even public transportation is stopped for this. There are ceremonies throughout the country as well, with members of the Royal family and high ranking government officials in attendance.

Star Wars Day - With the raise of nerd culture and the near universal appeal of Star Wars it seems inevitable that there would be occasion to celebrate Star Wars. And owing to the fact that May 4 sounds very similar to May the Force it is not surprising that people would take the opportunity to celebrate many people's favorite movie. While not an official holiday anywhere many people will find ways to celebrate, posting stories online that relate to the movies and their lives or just how they have been influenced.