During Apollo 8‘s 10 lunar orbits, television images were sent
back home and spectacular photos were taken of the Earth
and the moon from the spacecraft. In addition to being the
First human beings to view firsthand their home world in its
entirety, the three astronauts were also the first to see the far
side of the moon. On Christmas morning, Apollo 8 left its lunar
orbit and began its journey back to Earth, landing safely in the
Pacific Ocean on December 27, 1968.

LIFE Magazine cover with a Fletcher Martin war painting.

Fletcher Martin (April 19, 1904 – May 30, 1979)

Radio City Music Hall, one of the world’s most celebrated and architecturally significant entertainment venues, opened in the
heart of midtown Manhattan amid great fanfare on this day in
history, Dec. 27, 1932.

The Radio City Rockettes, the iconic high-kicking dance
troupe that performs at the theater.

Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was
the 33rd president of the United States. He served from
1945 to 1953.

Funeral of Harry Truman as his casket lies in state at the
Truman Library.

Official portrait of President Truman by Greta Kempton.