Truman Day
Truman Day is a holiday that falls on May 8th and commemorates the birth of former U.S. President Harry S. Truman. In the U.S. state of Missouri, it is a state holiday, but it is also celebrated nationally by the U.S. Democratic Party. Harry S. Truman is the only U.S. President to come from Missouri, and as a result, it is an important holiday in that state.
United States (State holiday)The History of Truman Day
On May 8, 1884, Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, and was raised on his family’s farm near Independence, Mo. He served as an artillery officer in France during WWI, and after he returned from the war, he joined the Democratic Party. He was first elected to public office as a county official in 1922 and was then elected as a U.S. Senator in 1934.
After serving as a U.S. Senator for ten years, he went on to become Vice President in 1945. When Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, Truman became President. In 1948, he was elected to serve another term as President. Truman Day was added as a holiday according to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 9-035.
Interesting Facts About Truman
While we researched this holiday, we did a deep dive into the life of the man himself. During the course of our research, we found out a bunch of interesting things about him, so many that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. Instead, we’re going to list some of the facts that we think are the most interesting and we’re going to share those points below.
- Harry S. Truman was named after his uncle Harrison.
- The “S” in his name doesn’t actually stand for anything.
- Truman was an artillery captain during WWI.
- He was the only President during the 20th century who didn’t go to college.
- His personal motto was “The Buck Stops Here.”
- Harry Truman died on December 26, 1972, at the age of 88 years old.
- Bess Truman, his wife, lived to the age of 97.
- Truman wasn’t the first choice for the Senate for the Democratic Party.
- Truman used a key Senate committee to further his political career.
- Truman survived an assassination attempt.
- Truman owned a men’s clothing store that almost went bankrupt.
- Truman saw combat during World War I.
- Truman’s nickname was “Give ‘Em Hell Harry!”
Observing Truman Day
Truman Day can be observed by taking the time to recognize the life and achievements of U.S. President Harry S. Truman. This can be done by reading a history book or watching a documentary on his presidency. It can also be done by visiting the Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. In Missouri, state employees receive holiday pay, and government offices may be closed, but federal agencies, as well as businesses and schools, remain open.
United States (State holiday)
