VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Welcome back to Today in History, a daily segment which brings back people and events from this date in the past as recorded in history.

We’ll start with May 8, 1945 Winston Churchill announced the end of the War in Europe.

In a radio-broadcast speech from Downing Street, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill urged the British people to rejoice, but not to forget the hard work and the efforts to be made for the future. King George VI also gave a speech, broadcast from Buckingham Palace which was damaged by bombs. In his speech the King thanked his people. Both speakers reminded listeners that Japan had not been beaten yet.

Next event is that  May 8, 1948 is establsihment of the first World Red Cross Day.

Every year since 1948, May 8 has been celebrated as World Red Cross Day to appreciate the services of the founder of the World Red Cross Movement, Henry Dunant, who was also born on the same date. The World Red Cross Day commemoration aims to inspire, facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross and members of the participating National Community. In addition, it is also used as an opportunity to appreciate the services of volunteers and staff who are struggling to save the lives of many people.

Last event of Today in History is that on May 8, 1993 was the death of Marsinah, an Indonesian labor activist.

Before her body was found on May 9, 1993 in Jegong Village, Wilangan Nganjuk District, East Java, Marsinah was one of the employees of PT. Catur Putera Surya, who was very active in demanding a more decent wage. Marsinah along with other workers, went on strike to call their demands. Until May 5, 1993, Marsinah was still active with her colleagues in demonstrations and talks. However, on the following days, Marsinah's whereabout was not known by her colleagues until her body was found on May 9, 1993. Marsinah was declared dead on May 8, 1993. Autopsy results conducted by doctors at Nganjuk Regional General Hospital concluded that Marsinah died as a result of persecution. As an activist Marsinah earned the Yap Thiam Hien Award in 1993, for her sevice in upholding human rights.