Timeless Clips for Your New Stories
Explore historical stock videos from May events with archival footage from our vast editorial library. Discover top-quality, timely inspiration for your marketing calendars, news, or documentary projects. This month, we feature V-E day, Women’s Army Corps, World Bee Day, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
V-E Day celebrated in the U.S. and Britain
May 8, 1945
After Germany’s surrender, BBC radio interrupted its programming to announce a national holiday, Victory in Europe Day, the following day. Celebrations erupted across Britain and the Allied nations, with street parties and dancing breaking out after six years of war.
In London, great crowds cheered outside Buckingham Palace. U.S. President Harry S. Truman dedicated the day to the recently-passed Franklin D. Roosevelt, though massive crowds still gathered in Times Square. Yes, this day held mixed feelings for many—loved ones had been lost, and the war against Japan was not yet over. However, for one unforgettable moment, the public rejoiced in fulfilled hopes for peace.
Immerse yourself in scenes of giddy triumph with our V-E Day collection.
1945 – Huge Crowds Swarm The Streets Of New York City To Celebrate V-E Day. Video by Retrofootage.
The Women’s Army Corps is signed into law
May 15, 1942
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) into law, enabling women to serve in noncombat roles such as mechanics, clerks, and medical personnel during WWII. The move faced strong opposition—one congressman mocked the “humiliating” idea of a “woman’s army” to defend the United States, calling it “the silliest piece of legislation.”
Despite the resistance, the WAAC exceeded expectations, becoming the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1943, with full military status, equal pay, and rank. Their contributions were vital to the war effort, and many women continued serving after the war.
Meet the women who answered the call of duty in our Women’s Army Corps collection.
1944 – Allied Fighting Forces Around The World Allow Women To Enlist. Video by Retrofootage
World Bee Day
May 20, 2025
Established by the UN in 2017, World Bee Day reminds us of how important bees and other pollinators are for our food and environment. These flying farmers help pollinate 75% of the world’s crops and 90% of wild plants, making them essential for biodiversity and food production.
However, habitat loss, climate change, and harmful farming practices are threatening their species. On this day, we’re encouraged to protect bees and other pollinators, whose decline may disrupt food production, increase global hunger, and harm the environment. By supporting nature-friendly farming, we can make a better future for bees and our planet.
Discover more about these industrious benefactors with our curated World Bee Day collection.
1910S: Cross-Section Of Hollow Tree Full Of Honeycombs, Bees. Bees Crawling On Video by Avgeeks.
Brooklyn Bridge Opens
May 24, 1883
John A. Roebling designed the largest suspension bridge of its time in a remarkable bid to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. But big visions come with big costs.
Construction meant dangerous working conditions, such as high-pressure underwater work that caused “the bends.” This affected over 100 workers, with several dying from the illness or in accidents like collapses and fires. After Roebling’s death, his son Washington took over but was also bedridden by illness. His wife Emily became Chief Engineer and was given the first ride over the completed bridge, with a rooster—symbolizing victory—in her lap.
Rediscover this famous landmark with our Brooklyn Bridge collection.
Brooklyn Bridge Painters Work At Dizzying Heights Video by Reuters
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