JUNE 9TH: THIS DAY IN HISTORY

That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach’ — Aldous Huxley

1. Charles Kingsford Smith completed the world’s first trans-Pacific flight

On this day in history in 1928 Charles Kingsford Smith completed the world’s first trans-Pacific flight. The Australian aviator and his 4-man crew had departed Oakland, California on the morning on May 31. Nine days later, after several stops, they landed safely in Brisbane.

2.  Donald Duck made his film debut in The Wise Little Hen

On this day in history in 1934 Donald Duck made his film debut in The Wise Little Hen. The short-tempered duck typically wearing a sailor suit is one of Walt Disney’s most famous cartoon characters. Donald’s first book appearance was in The Adventures of Mickey Mouse, which was published in 1931.

3.  Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned King of Thailand

On this day in history in 1946 Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned King of Thailand. At the time of his death on October 13, 2016, he was the world’s longest reigning head of state, with 70 years on the throne.

4. Four Austrian climbers became the first to conquer Broad Peak

On this day in history in 1957 Four Austrian climbers became the first to conquer Broad Peak. Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemberger, and Hermann Buhl reached the 8051 meter-high summit of one of the world’s highest mountains on the border of Pakistan and China.

5. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria

On this day in history in 1967 Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria. Israel’s occupation of the territory and the establishment of Israeli settlements in the area continue to hamper negotiations to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing Middle East conflict.