The Berlin Airlift
On June 26, 1948, the first supply-filled planes departed bases in England and Western Germany as part of the Berlin Airlift.
This Day in History
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Twin-Motored Transport Plane Airmails
On June 25, 1941, the US Post Office Department issued the first in a new series of Airmail stamps picturing a twin-motored transport plane. These stamps would carry mail across the US and around the globe throughout World War II.
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Canada’s First Airmail Flight
On June 24, 1918, Captain Brian Peck made the first airmail flight in Canada. It would be another decade before the service became official and Canada would issue its first Airmail stamps.
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The Civil Aeronautics Act
On June 23, 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Civil Aeronautics Act, creating the Civil Aeronautics Authority. The CAA was tasked with investigating accidents, recommending ways to prevent future accidents, and setting airline fares and routes. It eventually became the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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Start of Overrun Countries Series
On June 22, 1943, the first stamp in the Overrun Countries Series, US #909, was issued. These stamps were created to send a message of hope to war-torn residents of the overrun countries.
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Birth of Henry O. Tanner
Artist Henry Ossawa Tanner was born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He’s the first African American artist to have work included in the White House’s permanent collection.
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U.S. Adopts Great Seal
On June 20, 1782, the United States adopted the Great Seal. It had taken six years, three committees, and the work of 14 men.
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Happy Birthday, Helene Madison
Olympic swimmer Helene Emma Madison was born on June 19, 1913, in Madison, Wisconsin. “Queen Helene” won three gold medals at the 1932 Summer Olympics and broke multiple world records.
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America Declares War on Great Britain
Just 29 years after gaining independence, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world by declaring war on June 18, 1812, in what would become America’s “Second War of Independence.”
