Truman Day is observed in Missouri every May 8 to commemorate the birthday of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States and the only president from Missouri. Born in Lamar, Missouri in 1884, Truman's political career began with the support of the Kansas City Democratic machine, leading to his election as a U.S. senator and later as vice president under Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following Roosevelt's death, Truman assumed the presidency and made significant decisions, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the implementation of the Marshall Plan. Despite facing criticism during his presidency, he is well-respected in Missouri, and the holiday serves to honor his legacy. Truman Day remains a paid holiday for Missouri state employees, despite attempts to abolish it during the Great Recession.