Flight
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.
Start of V-Mail Service
On June 15, 1942, the Post Office Department inaugurated its V-Mail service. During World War II, letters bound for service personnel were photographed and transferred to microfilm. This special process enabled letters to take up a fraction of their usual space on planes going to war zones, allowing more room for crucial supplies.
First U.S. Airmail Booklet
On May 26, 1928, the US issued its first-ever Airmail booklet – US #C10a.
First Commissioned Female Airmail Pilot
On May 23, 1918, Katherine Stinson became the first woman hired by the post office to deliver airmail in the US.
First Transatlantic Flight
On May 16, 1919, Albert Cushing Read departed Newfoundland, beginning the first transatlantic flight.
First International Sky Train
On May 14, 1935, US and Cuban pilots flew the first international airmail sky train.
Louisiana World Exposition
On May 12, 1984, the Louisiana World Exposition opened its gates.
Opening of Seattle World’s Fair
On April 21, 1962, the Seattle World’s Fair, also known as the Century 21 Exposition, opened to the public.
Graf Zeppelins Issued
On April 19, 1930, three special airmail stamps, the Graf Zeppelins, were made available for sale to be used exclusively on mail carried via the Graf Zeppelin on its European – Pan American flights the following month.