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Star Wars Day: May the 'fourth' be with you, says the internet as they pay tribute to the film

Star Wars Day, May 4, celebrates George Lucas' Star Wars. It is observed by fans of the media franchise. Observance of the commemorative day spread quickly through media and grassroots celebrations. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase "May the Force be with you" as "May the Fourth be with you".

According to popular legend, the reference was first used on May 4, 1979, the day Margaret Thatcher took office as Prime Minister of UK. An online news article from the Danish public broadcaster allegedly said her political party, the Conservatives, placed a congratulatory advertisement in The London Evening News, saying "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations."

What started as a pun shared by the Star Wars fans has become a full-fledged holiday celebrated by many around the globe. Take a look:

In the year 2015, astronauts in the International Space Station watched Star Wars on this day. Since 2013, the Walt Disney Company has been officially observing this day as the holiday and they conduct several events at Disneyland.

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