May 1981

Wednesday 06:

A jury of architects and sculptors unanimously selects Maya Ying Lin's design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from 1,421 other entries.

Sunday 10:

François Mitterrand takes office as the first Socialist President of France.

Monday 11:

Death of Reggae legend Bob Marley.

Wednesday 13:

Mehmet Ali Ağca attempts to assassinate Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square in Rome.

Thursday 21:

Pierre Mauroy becomes Prime Minister of France.

Sunday 24:

First International Women's Day for Disarmament

Monday 25:

In Riyadh, the Gulf Cooperation Council is created between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.