MAY 8, 2026 | MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY | NATIONAL KNOCK OUT® ROSE DAY | NATIONAL STUDENT NURSE DAY | PROVIDER APPRECIATION DAY | NATIONAL COCONUT CREAM PIE DAY | NATIONAL HAVE A COKE DAY
Hi Everyone,
Today is all about the people who provide the "backbone" for our society. Whether they are supporting our troops from home or caring for our youngest generation, May 8th is dedicated to the caregivers.
Here is your May 8th "Appreciation" Guide:
The Silent Ranks: It is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. We recognize the incredible strength, resilience, and sacrifice of the spouses who keep the home fires burning while their partners serve. You are a vital part of our national defense!
The Early Educators: Happy Provider Appreciation Day. Today we celebrate the childcare providers, teachers, and nannies who shape our children’s futures. It’s one of the hardest—and most important—jobs on the planet.
The Next Generation: It’s National Student Nurse Day. To those currently pulling all-nighters and studying for boards: keep going. The world needs your skill and your heart more than ever.
The Garden Star: We celebrate National Knock Out® Rose Day. These roses are famous for being tough, beautiful, and easy to care for—kind of like the people we’re celebrating today!
The Retro Refreshment: It’s National Have a Coke Day. Whether it’s from a glass bottle or a fountain, there’s a reason this red label is a global icon. Cheers to a classic!
The Tropical Treat: To top it all off, it’s National Coconut Cream Pie Day. If you need us, we’ll be over here enjoying a slice of that toasted coconut goodness.
The May 8th Challenge: If you know a military spouse or a childcare provider, send them a text or a small treat today. And if you have a Coke, make sure it’s ice-cold.
Coming on May 9, 2026
National Days
NATIONAL MINIATURE GOLF DAY
WANNA HAVE A CATCH DAY
NATIONAL DOG MOM'S DAY
NATIONAL ALPHABET MAGNET DAY
NATIONAL HOME FRONT HEROES DAY
NATIONAL SLEEPOVER DAY
NATIONAL MOSCATO DAY
NATIONAL LOST SOCK MEMORIAL DAY
CORNELIA DE LANGE SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY
NATIONAL BABYSITTER’S DAY
NATIONAL BIRTH MOTHER’S DAY
BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIE DAY
STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE DAY
Notable Birthdays for May 8
Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) - The first Black woman to publish a book and the second Black person to publish poetry in the U.S.
Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) - The 33rd President of the U.S.
Ernest Loring "Red" Nichols (1905-1965) - Cornet player considered one of the most influential
jazz musicians in the 1920s and 1930s.
John Graham (1908-1991) - Architect who created the Space Needle in Seattle, WA.
Bob Clampett (1913-1984) - Animator remembered for his work creating the Looney Tunes cartoon characters.
Leon Festinger (1919-1989) - Psychologist who developed the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance.
Don Rickles (1926-2017) - Stand-up comedian.
Jerry Moss (1935-2023) - Music promoter who co-founded A&M Records.
John C. Bogle (1929-2019) - Founder of the investment company The Vanguard Group.
Peter Benchley (1940-2006) - Author who wrote Jaws, which was later turned into a film.
Ricky Nelson (1940-1985) - Child actor (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet) who turned into a successful pop star (Hello Mary Lou).
Melissa Gilbert (1964-Still Living) - Actress always remembered for her role as Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie.
Memorable Events for May 8
1541 - The Mississippi River is discovered by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his expedition.
1792 - The U.S. establishes the military draft.
1877 - The first
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is held in NY City.
1879 - George Selden files for first patent for a gasoline-driven automobile.
1886 - Coca-Cola is sold for the first time at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta.
1912 - Paramount Pictures is founded.
1958 - President Eisenhower orders the National Guard out of Central High School, Little Rock, AK.
1976 - The first steel coaster with a vertical flip, opens at the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park.
A Quick Thought: Like the Knock Out® Rose, we’re aiming to be resilient and vibrant. We know change can be a bit "thorny" sometimes, but we’re focused on the bloom! Thanks for growing with us this May.
Before We Go: Are you a 'Classic Coke' person, or do you have a secret favorite flavor? (Cherry? Vanilla? Zero?)
Best,
Team NDC
