Daily post that discusses fun, interesting, historic and important events from today's date. Maybe you need a topic of conversation between family, friends or coworkers. Perhaps you need something to celebrate or remember. If anything, you can learn a thing or two, which is never a bad thing! Give me an upvote and/or follow to show you enjoyed this and I'll make sure to keep up with this.
What happened on May 21st?
American Red Cross is founded (1881)
The American Red Cross, also known as the American National Red Cross, is a humanitarian organization that gives emergency assistance, relief for disasters, and also disaster preparedness and education in the United States.
It was founded on this date in 1881 by Clara Barton. It was established in Washington D.C. Barton also served as the first president.
As of November 2017, ARC scores 3/4 stars in Charity Navigator and a B+ on CharityWatch. In 1996, the Chronicle of Philanthropy rated it third “most popularity charity/non-profit in America.” Over 100 charities were researched.
Charles Lindbergh completes first solo nonstop transatlantic flight (1927)
Charles Lindbergh is most known for his accomplishment as being the first person to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo and without stopping. Lindbergh, nicknamed “Lucky Lindy,” “The Lone Eagle,” and “Slim” completed the journey on this date in 1927.
Lindbergh took off the day before from Long Island, New York. 33.5 hours later, after traveling 3,600 miles, he landed in Paris, France in his infamous plane “Spirit of St. Louis.”
Lindbergh, also a military officer, author, inventor, explorer and environmental activist, received the Orteig Prize for this feat. He would also be awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration.
Tallest roller coaster in the world opens (2005)
On this date in 2005, in Jackson, New Jersey of the United States, the world’s tallest rollercoaster would open. It is named Kingda Ka.
It is the tallest roller coaster in the world, and the second fastest (it was the first until November 2010). It is the second strata coaster ever built (a strata coaster being a coaster of over 400 feet, in total height or height of a drop).
Kingda Ka accelerated riders to 128 mph (206 km/h) in 3.5 seconds to reach a peak height of 456 feet, only to drop and spiral 270 degrees for 418 feet straight down. The entire ride experience lasts for 28 seconds.
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Hopefully you learned a thing or two. See you tomorrow!