National Aviation Day
In 1939, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared August 19th as National Aviation Day to recognize and celebrate the history and development of aviation. Falling precisely on the same date as Orville Wright’s birthday, it’s considered to be one of America’s most treasured holidays.
Orville Wright, together with his elder brother, Wilbur Wright, invented the world’s first powered fixed-wing aircraft in the year 1903. It was called the Wright Flyer and was the first of its kind to have built-in controls and execute a sustained flight. Orville Wright flew the aircraft for the first time in Big Kill Devil Hill, North Carolina, where the Wright Brothers National Memorial stands to this very day.
The Wright Brothers taught the whole world how to fly, and changed the course of history forever! Their invention spearheaded the development of aircraft, and it serves as the very foundation of the aviation industry we know today. For that reason, the Wright Brothers and everyone involved in making air transport possible deserve to be remembered and appreciated this National Aviation Day.
Let’s Celebrate!
If we’re being honest, it’s not every day that we take the time to look back and acknowledge how far the aviation industry has come. For most of us, flying from one place to another has become a typical day-to-day scene. We sometimes forget how much of a privilege it really is to be able to do so. This National Aviation Day, let’s all go back to where it all began and just appreciate all things aviation!
With that said, here are five ways you can celebrate the holiday:
1. Go Flying
Yes, fly! What better way to celebrate National Aviation Day than to go flying in an airplane, right? If you have time (and maybe some extra cash), then go ahead and book a trip somewhere! Perhaps bring a family member, a friend, or a special someone with you to make the experience more fun and memorable. If you’ve never flown before, then today is the perfect time to do so! Most airlines even offer exclusive deals to first-time flyers on National Aviation Day.
2. Watch aviation movies
If you’re more of a stay-at-home kind of person, then make some popcorn and invite your friends or family members over for a movie marathon! National Aviation Day is the perfect day to binge on some aviation-themed films and learn about the industry altogether.
There are lots of great aviation movies out there! Some of our top picks are One Six Right, The High and the Mighty, Air Force One, and The Aviator.
3. Teach young members of the family about airplanes
This National Aviation Day, teach some kids about airplanes. They’ll be amazed at how the Wright brothers made the world’s first airplane from scratch and how they inspired today’s most advanced airplanes and jets.
To make it more fun and engaging, get a 3-D airplane puzzle toy or Lego set that you can build together as you go.
4. Go plane-spotting
Whether you want to spend the day with your closest friends or just relish in some alone time, plane-spotting is an activity you’ll undoubtedly love. Bring some food if you wish, and have a plane-spotting picnic. It’s honestly one of the best ways to celebrate National Aviation Day.
5. Visit Wright Brothers National Memorial
If you haven’t visited the Wright Brothers National Memorial before, then National Aviation Day is definitely the perfect time to do so. Lots of people go there to commemorate the holiday with various flight-related activities for both kids and adults throughout the day. Bring the entire family so you can enjoy all the National Aviation Day festivities together!
A Big Thank You To Everyone In The Aviation Industry
Today, we would like to express our gratitude to all the amazing people involved in the aviation industry and to those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes. Thank you for your devotion, and for making the magic of flight possible!
We’re also incredibly grateful to all the selfless volunteer pilots that partnered with our animal rescue and transport website, Doobert, and donated their time, equipment, and resources to help us transfer rescue animals from one location to another. We’re glad to have you on board!
This National Aviation Day, we’d like to invite more pilots on the team! If you love animals and you’re interested in getting involved with animal rescue missions, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to welcome new volunteers!
