Wednesday is National Aviation Day

National Aviation Day is observed in the United States on August 19 each year to celebrate the history and development of aviation. It coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright who, together with his brother Wilbur, made significant contributions to powered flight.

In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt established, by presidential proclamation, National Aviation Day which would be observed on August 19, the birthday of Orville Wright, who piloted the Wright Flyer on the first, powered, controlled flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903.  Mr. Wright was still alive when the proclamation was first issued.

Citizens are encouraged to observe the day with activities that promote an interest in aviation.