Memory of the world: Russia and the USA mark the 80th anniversary of the first non-stop flight of the USSR-USA to the crew of Chkalov

It is 80 years since the first non-stop flight from the USSR to the USA. June 18, 1937 Soviet pilots Valery Chkalov, Georgy Baidukov and Alexander Belyakov aboard the ANT-25 flew from the Moscow airfield in Schelkov. On June 20, the plane landed at Barax military aerodrome in the suburbs of Portland (Washington, USA).

The length of non-stop flight for that time was a record - about 8 thousand kilometers, 63 and a half hours. For this flight the crew was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.

In Shchelkov the celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the feat are taking place. In honor of the legendary pilot Valery Chkalov there was opened a monument and a memorial plaque.

Also a memorable anniversary is celebrated in the USA. In the National Park "Fort Vancouver" (Washington State) on June 24 will be held the main ceremonial events in honor of the famous flight. Within the framework of the special program dedicated to the anniversary of this event, the participants of the ceremony, among which will be official representatives of Russia, American historians, aviators, staff of Fort Vancouver and the nearby Pearson Air Museum, will lay flowers at the monument to Soviet pilots who made the legendary flight.

In honor of the anniversary in Fort Vancouver will be open an exhibition of paintings by Russian artists who depicted Chkalovsk in their works - the former city of Vasilyovo, where the legendary pilot was born. The exhibition will last until early July.