On This Day — May 20

From groundbreaking achievements to unforgettable moments in music and film, May 20 has produced events that still echo through history today.

1927 — Charles Lindbergh begins historic flight

American aviator Charles Lindbergh took off from New York on this day in 1927 aboard the Spirit of St. Louis, attempting the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. More than 33 hours later, he landed safely in Paris and became one of the most famous figures of the 20th century.

1932 — Amelia Earhart makes aviation history

American aviator Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean on this day in 1932. Taking off from Newfoundland, Earhart battled icy conditions, mechanical problems and exhaustion before landing safely in Northern Ireland almost 15 hours later. Her daring journey cemented her place as one of aviation’s greatest pioneers.

1983 – In South Africa, a car bomb planted by anti-Apartheid fighters kills 19

The Church Street Bombing was carried out by the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC). It was one of the bloodiest chapters in the ANC’s long and difficult struggle against racial segregation and oppression in South Africa.

What was playing in 1966?

Music fans around the world were tuning into some unforgettable hits on this day in 1966.

In the United States, Monday, Monday by The Mamas & the Papas was number one.
In the United Kingdom, Manfred Mann’s Pretty Flamingo topped the charts.
In Australia, These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra remained hugely popular with local audiences.

History can be inspiring, tragic, glamorous and entertaining all at once — and May 20 is proof of that.