21 May, 1932 – Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic

The U.S. aviatress' disappearance on an attempted round-the-world flight five years later is one of the most discussed unsolved mysteries in the history of flight.

22 May, 1960 – The most violent earthquake in recorded history hits Chile

The Great Chilean Earthquake rated 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. According to the estimates, between 2230 and 6000 people were killed.

23 May, 1949 – The Federal Republic of Germany is established

The proclamation of the Grundgesetz, Germany's current constitution, marked the birth hour of the republic. The foundation of West Germany came four years after the end of World War II.

24 May, 1956 – The first Eurovision Song Contest is held

Lys Assia won the first edition for Switzerland. The ESC is a major song contest in Europe and one of the world's longest-running TV programs. It is held in a different country each year.

25 May, 1977 – The first Star Wars film is released

The Memorial Day weekend opens with an intergalactic bang as the first of George Lucas' blockbuster Star Wars movie hits theatres. The epic space opera is one of the most popular works in movie history.

26 May, 1923 – The 24 Hours of Le Mans is held for the first time

Only three competitors completed the race in 1923. The winners were André Lagarde and Albert Leonard of France, who covered 2210 kilometres in 24 hours.

26 May, 1937 – The Golden Gate Bridge is opened

The suspension bridge connecting San Francisco Peninsula with Marin County is one of the most recognised works of United States architecture.