_blows_an_aircraft_over_her_side,_8_May_1942_(80-G-7413).jpg)
On May 8: Victory in Europe Day celebrated (2004)
- 1541 - Hernando de Soto reached the Mississippi River naming it Rio de Espiritu Santo.
- 1886 - A beverage that would later be named Coca-Cola, was sold for the first time.
- 1902 - In Martinique, Mount Pelée erupted and destroyed the town of St. Pierre, killing over 30,000 people.
- 1942 - World War II: The Battle of the Coral Sea ended with an Allied victory.
- 1967 - The Philippine province of Davao was split into three: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.