THINGS TO know
V-E DAY
On this date in 1945 it was V.E. (Victory in Europe) Day. The Second World War ended in Europe with the unconditional surrender of all German land, sea and air forces. The surrender was signed the previous day by German envoys in a schoolhouse at Rheims, France.
NEW COIN
On this date in 1987, Ottawa unveiled the $1 coin. Made of nickel, copper and recycled tin, it was dubbed the loonie because of the loon engraved on its flip side.
HOOP DREAM
On this date in 2005, Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash became the first Canadian to win the NBA’s most valuable player award. He was named MVP again in 2006.
SLIM PICKINS
On this date in 1906, American desperado Bill Miner held up a CPR train in Kamloops, B.C. But Canada’s first train robbery netted Miner only $15, and he was captured a few days later. The story inspired the 1983 film, “The Grey Fox.”
SAD ENDING
On this date in 1982, Gilles Villeneuve, from Berthierville, Québec, dies in a 225 kmh accident while qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. Villeneuve began his racing career on snowmobiles, and won the world championships in 1974. He entered his first car race in 1973 and by 1976 was dominating the Formula Atlantic series.
ICE VICTORY
On this date in 1994, Canada beats Finland 2-1 in a shootout to win its first world hockey championship in a long 33 years.