It happened on… April 19

Patrick Marleau, forward for the San Jose Sharks, breaks Gordie Howe's record for the most games played in the NHL (1,768).

NASA successfully flies its Ingenuity drone helicopter on Mars, the first powered aircraft to fly on another world.

The “Together At Home” concert to support COVID-19 relief efforts is organized by Lady Gaga and broadcast worldwide.

Fidel Castro steps down from his position in the Cuban Communist Party after 45 years at the helm of the country.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is elected Pope Benedict XVI.

The television series “The Simpsons” makes its television debut with the episode “The Tracey Ullman Show.”

Sally Ride becomes the first American female astronaut.

Charles Manson is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Sharon Tate.

Johnny Cash releases the song “Ring of Fire,” written by his future wife June Carter and Merle Kilgore.

Shirley Temple stars in her first film, “Stand Up & Cheer,” at the age of six.

The first Boston Marathon—the world's oldest marathon—is held, inspired by the success of the marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics.

A fire destroys the Quebec City Parliament Building.

Captain James Cook discovers Point Hicks, now known as Australia.

Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI are married by proxy.