On May 9 in history, several significant events have occurred:

• In 1945, World War II in Europe officially ended following Germany's unconditional surrender at midnight, although the war in the Pacific continued until Japan's surrender in September

• In 1984, the Soviet Union announced it would not participate in the Summer Olympics planned for Los Angeles

• In 1960, the first birth control pill was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, marking a major development in reproductive health

• In 2012, the Sukhoi Superjet 100, Russia's first airliner produced since the USSR's end, crashed during a demonstration tour, killing all 45 people on board

• Also on May 9, notable births include Billy Joel (1949), Alan Bennett (1934), Sophie Scholl (1921), and Adam Opel (1837)

These events highlight May 9 as a day of historical military, political, scientific, and cultural significance.