It was May 20, 1927, the early days of aviation, and airplanes were considered ideal for short hops, but not long distance transport like the airships of the day. One guy disagreed, and at 7:27 that morning Charles Lindberg took off from Roosevelt Field on Long Island, heading for Paris, making today
NATIONAL SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS DAY!
The Transatlantic Flight was as revolutionary and stunning as the moon landing, and caused an international sensation. Lindberg and his little plane, “Spirit of St. Louis,” changed history when he landed safely at Le Bourget Field in Paris 33-1/2 hours later.
Within a few short years trans-Atlantic flights were commonplace. Charles Lindbergh was an international celebrity and hero, and for those shining moments, before his life took some tragic turns and he began acting like a political jackass, he was the most famous and admired man on Earth. Global air flight was born on this day.
•Suggested Activities: Doing the impossible.