Between the wars, Americans were fascinated by aviators’ efforts to cross the Atlantic. The Lithuanian community in the United States was no exception.

In the early ’30s, Lithuanians raised money to support two pilots in their effort to cross the Atlantic. When that flight ended in disaster, the Lithuanians raised more money for another shot.

Two pilots died in the first flight. But the second was more successful.

In the 1930s, the airplane was still relatively new. A new sport had developed around it: long-distance flying. It had really gotten its start with Charles Lindbergh’s flight to Paris in 1927. The public watched in fascination as one record after another was set.

The Soviet Union decided in 1935 to jump in. It planned a flight from Moscow to San Francisco, which would cover more than 6,000 miles. It would be an audacious attempt, and ultimately would end in death.

On July 12, 1928, Mexican aviator Emilio Carranza crashed into the trees of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. It was a tragic ending to Carranza’s triumphant visit to Washington and New York. His death deeply touched Americans and Mexicans alike.

Mexico issued airmail stamps honoring Carranza in 1929 and again in 1932.