Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer who was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and set many records over the course of her career. She was also an acclaimed author who wrote several books detailing her flying experiences. All of these are reasons why she is honored with her own holiday.

This holiday is known as National Amelia Earhart Day and it is celebrated every July 24th—the date on which she was born in 1897. It is a holiday that should not only be observed by people who have a passion for aviation but also by anyone who wants to celebrate this great American pioneer.

A Brief Biography of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. As a child, she spent a lot of time being adventurous and doing activities such as climbing trees and hunting rats with a rifle. Amelia and her sister also collected insects and engaged in many activities that would cause some people to label her as a tomboy.

Over the course of her lifetime, she would break many records—including being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. Her achievements resulted in her being awarded the American Distinguished Flying Cross and the Cross of the French Legion of Honor.

On June 1, 1937, Amelia Earhart took off from Oakland, California, on an eastbound trip around the world. Her twin-engine Lockheed 10E Electra reached Lae, New Guinea, on June 29th. Amelia and her navigator Fred Noonan departed from Lae en route to Howland Island on July 2nd. They ended up losing contact with the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Itasca that was anchored off the coast of Howland Island, and she disappeared completely. She was never found, but her legacy lives on.

Observing National Amelia Earhart Day

We recommend starting off any celebration of National Amelia Earhart Day by taking the time to learn more about this famous female pilot. It is also a good day to learn more about other innovative female aviators such as Bessie Coleman, Harriet Quimby, Katherine Stinson, and Blanche Scott. This day can also be celebrated by visiting an aviation exhibit, especially one that features a special section on Amelia Earhart or other female aviators.