Historic May 4 Marks Tragic Kent State Shootings and Notable Global Events

The anniversary of the Kent State shootings coincides with significant historical milestones, reflecting a day of remembrance and global impact.

On May 4, 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen killed four students during an anti-war protest at Kent State University, a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Rhode Island declared its independence from England on this date in 1776, predating the Declaration of Independence.
The Battle of the Coral Sea began on May 4, 1942, marking the first naval battle fought entirely by aircraft.
Significant judicial decisions, including the overturning of Michael Skakel's murder conviction in 2018, highlight the date's legal importance.
Notable figures such as jazz musician Ron Carter and actor Richard Jenkins celebrate their birthdays on May 4.