Posted October 14, 2020
On this date in 1947, American test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first person to travel faster than the speed of sound. He did so in an experimental aircraft called Bell X-1.
Yeager later broke several other speed and altitude records.
Today’s air-speed record is 2,193 mph (3,529 kph), compared to Yeager’s 670 mph (1,078 kph).
On this date in 1968, American athlete Jim Hines became the first person to break the so-called ten-second barrier in the 100-meter sprint. He ran it in just 9.95 seconds. He held the 100-m world record for 15 years!
Not only was Hines a track-and-field athlete, world-record holder, and Olympic Champion, he also became an NFL player.
Also on this date:
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Nyerere Day in Tanzania
Anniversary of the October Revolution in Yemen
Birthday of Quaker and Pennsylvania founder William Penn
Birthday of author / illustrator Lois Lenski
Birthday of U.S. President Eisenhower
Conch Cracking Festival in the Bahamas
Petkovden in Bulgaria
National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School / Work Day
Stop Bullying Day
aka Unity Day
(Second Wednesday in October)
Earth Science Week October 14 – 20
(Second full week of October)
National Fossil Day
(Wednesday of Earth Science Week)
Plan ahead:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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October holidays
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October birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in October
And here are my Pinterest boards for:
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November holidays
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November birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in November