You probably already have the pun in your head. It’s hard to avoid it. If you open social media on May 4th, your feed is basically a sea of lightsabers, Wookiee memes, and people saying, "May the Fourth be with you." It’s cute. Honestly, it’s one of the most successful grassroots marketing "holidays" in history. But there is a massive amount of stuff happening on this date that has absolutely nothing to do with Jedi or Sith.
May 4th is a weirdly heavy day in history. It’s a day of intense grief for some, a day of massive political shifts for others, and a day to honor the people who run into burning buildings while everyone else is running out. If you think today is just about movie marathons, you’re kinda missing the bigger picture.
The Heavy Weight of May 4th History
Most people don't realize that May 4th marks one of the most sobering moments in American campus history. In 1970, at Kent State University in Ohio, the National Guard opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam War. Four students were killed. Nine were wounded. It’s a moment that fundamentally changed how the public viewed the government and the war. When you look at the photos from that day—specifically the one of Mary Ann Vecchio screaming over the body of Jeffrey Miller—it’s a gut-punch.
History doesn't just stop there. Back in 1886, the Haymarket Riot exploded in Chicago. What started as a peaceful rally for an eight-hour workday turned into a nightmare when someone threw a dynamite bomb at the police. It’s the reason we have Labor Day in many parts of the world, even if the U.S. celebrates it in September. It was a chaotic, bloody mess that redefined labor rights forever.
Then you’ve got 1979. This was the day Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister of Britain. Interestingly, that’s actually where the "May the Fourth" pun started. Her political party took out a newspaper ad that said, "May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie." They weren't even being nerds; they were just being clever with the date. Fast forward decades, and now Disney owns the phrase.
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Celebrating the Real Heroes: International Firefighters’ Day
While the Star Wars stuff is loud, International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is the heart of May 4th for millions. It wasn't just picked at random. May 4th is the feast day of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. Legend says he saved an entire village from burning with a single bucket of water.
The modern holiday actually started because of a tragedy in Australia. In 1998, five firefighters died in a wildfire at Linton when the wind suddenly shifted and trapped their truck. It was devastating. A firefighter named JJ Edmondson pushed for an international day to make sure those sacrifices weren't forgotten.
If you see people wearing red and blue ribbons today, that’s what it’s for. Red for the fire, blue for the water.
The Birthdays and the Quirks
You share a birthday with some heavy hitters if you were born today.
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- Audrey Hepburn: The literal icon of grace.
- Henry Cavill: Superman himself. (Which is funny, considering the Star Wars rivalry).
- Adele: The woman who makes the whole world cry with a single note.
- Lance Bass: For the 'NSYNC fans out there.
It’s a strange mix of talent. Beyond the people, there are the "National Days" that feel like they were made up by a committee that had too much coffee. We’re talking about National Orange Juice Day. Yes, really. There’s also National Renewal Day, which is actually a pretty nice concept—basically a spring cleaning for your soul.
In the Netherlands, May 4th is Dodenherdenking. It’s their Remembrance Day. At 8:00 PM, the entire country goes silent for two minutes. Trains stop. Cars pull over. It’s a powerful, haunting tribute to those who died in wars and peacekeeping missions since WWII.
What Really Happened with Star Wars Day?
We have to talk about it because it’s the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Star Wars Day wasn't "created" by Lucasfilm. It was created by fans. The first organized celebration happened at the Toronto Underground Cinema in 2011. They did trivia, costume contests, and fan films. Once Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, they realized they were sitting on a goldmine and started making it an "official" thing with massive sales and new trailer drops.
Every year, the "May the 4th" sales are huge. You’ll see discounts on Lego sets, video games like Star Wars Outlaws or Jedi: Survivor, and enough apparel to clothe a small planet. If you're a gamer, you probably already know that May 4th usually comes with limited-time events in titles like Fortnite or The Old Republic.
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A Day of Massive Contrast
May 4th is a study in contrasts. It’s a day where you can mourn the tragedy at Kent State in the morning and buy a discounted plastic lightsaber in the afternoon. It’s a day of deep-seated labor history and a day to celebrate drinking orange juice.
Maybe that’s why it sticks in our heads. It’s not just one thing. It’s a weird, messy, beautiful collection of human experiences.
Actionable Ways to Spend May 4th
If you want to actually "do" something with this day rather than just scroll past it, here are a few ways to make it count:
- Drop a thank-you note at your local fire station. They usually love it, and after the year most first responders have had, it goes a long way.
- Support a labor-focused charity. Given the Haymarket history, it's a good time to look into groups that support worker rights.
- Do a personal "Renewal." Take 15 minutes to declutter one part of your life—either a physical desk or that chaotic "Promotions" folder in your email.
- Watch a documentary. Instead of a sci-fi movie, maybe spend an hour learning about the 1970 student protests or the life of Audrey Hepburn.
- Check for tech deals. If you actually need a new game or a specific piece of tech, the May 4th sales are legit and usually run through the weekend.
The date is what you make of it. Whether you're honoring a fallen firefighter or debating who shot first in a cantina, May 4th has enough history to go around.