National Aviation Day
National Aviation Day is celebrated annually on August 19 to honor the advancements in aviation since the first flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1903. This day recognizes the significant contributions of the aviation industry to both commerce and national security, underscoring its role in shaping economic strength. The observance was established by a resolution from the United States Congress on May 11, 1939, and subsequently proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the anniversary of Orville Wright's birth. Activities to celebrate National Aviation Day include watching films related to air travel, sharing personal flight stories on social media with the hashtag #NationalAviationDay, or engaging in hands-on activities like building various types of airplanes. These observances aim to stimulate interest in aviation and acknowledge its impact on society.
National Aviation Day
National Aviation Day
National Aviation Day, observed annually on August 19, celebrates the progress made in modern aviation. In the years since the 120-foot hop of Wilbur and Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903, aviation has advanced greatly. Moreover, the airplane has become an increasingly important factor in commerce and warfare, and America's success in the skies has been vital to its economic strength and national security.
On May 11, 1939, the United States Congress adopted a resolution to set aside a special day each year to commemorate the contributions of the aircraft industry and to stimulate interest in aviation. In accordance with this legislation, on July 25, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed August 19, the anniversary of Orville Wright's birth, as National Aviation Day and encouraged all American citizens to observe it.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers a variety of suggestions for observing National Aviation Day. Among these are watching movies about air travel, sharing stories about one's first flight on social media using the hashtag #NationalAviationDay, or building full-scale, model, or paper airplanes.
Banke, Jim. "Spread Your Wings on National Aviation Day." National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 29 July 2021, www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/spread-your-wings-on-national-aviation-day/. Accessed 1 May 2024.
"National Aviation Day." National Aviation Day, nationalaviationday.org/. Accessed 1 May 2024.