May 5, 2022 - Cinco de Mayo | National Astronaut Day

Welcome to May 5, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate Mexican independence and reaching for the stars. In 1862, France tried to take over Mexico. The country had defaulted on loan payments to France, and the European nation was so angry that it sent troops to Mexico to resolve things with force. Normally, the United States would have intervened, but was in the midst of civil war…and France took advantage of the situation. As the French army marched toward Mexico City, it had to pass through the town of Puebla. There, a small force of Mexican soldiers, though badly outnumbered, beat the French and sent them running back to the coast. Cinco de Mayo celebrates this victory and the fiercely independent spirit of our southern neighbor. ¡Viva México! If you were alive on this day in 1961 to watch the Freedom 7 Space capsule and its 15 minute orbit, chances are good you can still feel the excitement of that moment. Astronaut Alan Shepard is regarded as a hero today and no matter your age or how you spend your time on earth, one truth remains constant, “Space Inspires.” Today we celebrate the pioneers like Shepard and many others who were willing to risk it all and go first. We know that our kids will reach new frontiers as they stand on the shoulders of these giants. On National Astronaut Day, reach for the stars and support the programs that teach the next generation of space explorers, who already know that the sky’s the limit! I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices