Evening star., 1928-05-20
A Wonderful Year.

One wear ago tocay young man WIN
had lust completed a fight across the
continent from the Pacific Coast, with
a stop at St. Louis. stepped into his
airplsne and hoped of for Europe, the
rrst Of a number Of competitors for
rrizs offered for the crossing Of the
Atlantic. His name was barely known.
There were but few who had noted his
cross country fight. for attention was
centered upon the preparations OF
others at the starting point who we're
entered for the great race. Less than
thirtv-four hours later that name rang
sround the world. The lone flyer had
reached Paris and stepping from his
nlane in the center Of a madly cheering
throng at lie Bourget Field, he calmly
announced: Il am Charles Lind
bergh."
Thirty-folr hours between virtual OBJ
scuritv and worldwide fame! To the
people OF this country. quickly awaken
Ing TO the fact that this solitary VEN
turer was a man Of exceptional quality,
they were anxious hours. Maps were
scanned. bulletins were eagerly reao.
The frst tidings of the sighting Of the
nonoplane bearing this intrepid aviator
were hailed with JOY. Then came
long period OF waiting. False reports
we're received. as other planes. sighted
At various places over England and
France. were mistaken for his. AT last
came the thrilling news that he was
nearing his objective. and then came
the announcement that he had ar
rived. 1t was a moment never 70 De
forgotten.
But great as was the thrill aroused by
the accomplishment Of the great feat IL
was not so great as that which sue
ceeded, as Lindbergh proved himself an
ideal messenger and missioner OF gooo
viii His bearing during the days OF
ta,uuItuous aduIation in Paris. when ne
was feted and honored by the mighty
ones Of France. and later was acclaimed
IN Belgium and in England and fnaiiy
here In America upon his return, en-
deared him to his fellow countrymen'
and indeed 70 all people
There were those who at the nme
were inclined to think that Lindoergn
would soon pass out OF the picture
that other feats in the air would rele-
Sate him to a secondary place. that the
public would weary Of praising him and
noting mis- performances. They were
wrong. Today, year after his feat
Iindbersh's name Is as potent as II was
twelve months ago TO evoke cneers.
His presence anywhere is marked ny
the gathering Of crowds to welcome
him. People press to reach him, TO
grasp his hand, 70 hear his voice. he
remains unspoiled By this exaltation.
Since that memorable day last year
there have been many accomplishments
IN the air. The Atlantic has been
crossed three times by Chamberlain
by Bvrd ard recently. in contrary
direction, by Won Huenefeid, Koehl and
Fatznaurice. Some remarkable new rec
oros have been made. Lindbergh him.
SIf has made a flying tour Of Central
and northern South America and has
covered the entire United States IN ms
plane. Aviation has been advanced
tremendously in this span Of time. In
every city of size In this country air
ports have been provided or are in the
vsv Of provision. Commercial aviation
has been promoted. Companies are
turning out planes as never before. The
great stimulus 10 flying given by Lind
bergh's dramatic feat is continuing pro-
gresssyely 70 accomplish results.
One year ego today unknown, To-Day
the most famous man In the world!
Truly, q wonderful year, for Lindbergn
and indeed for ali mankind!