Ark Galactapedia

Emancipation Day is a holiday celebrated in the United Empire of Earth (UEE) annually on May 2nd that commemorates the end of the Messer Era (SEY 2546 - 2792). On this day Linton Messer XI, the last member of the Messer family to rule the UEE as Imperator, was deposed in the aftermath of the Massacre of Garron II. When the news of Messer’s toppling reached the populace in 2792, there was spontaneous celebration in the streets throughout the UEE. Festivities reoccurred annually, and it was finally established as an official holiday in 2795 under Imperator Erin Toi. Emancipation Day is especially popular on Earth (Sol III) and Terra (Terra III).