National Aviation Day is observed each year on August 19th. This day is dedicated by Presidential Proclamation to those who helped pioneer aviation in the United States.
Two American inventors and aviation pioneers, the Wright brothers are credited with inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane and making the first controlled powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight on December 17, 1903.
HOW TO OBSERVE
If you can get away from work, head over to Miami International Airport. Where Miami Dade College has set-up flight simulators for the public. From 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Concourse D, Checkpoint #4, Second Level, you can take a try at being the pilot.
HISTORY
Established in 1939 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, this holiday was issued a presidential proclamation designating the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday to be National Aviation Day. Born August 19, 1871, Orville Wright was still alive when the proclamation was issued and went on to live for nine more years until his death in 1948.
Proclamation USC 36:I:A:1:118 allows the sitting United States President to proclaim August 19 as National Aviation Day each year. If desired, the President’s proclamation may direct all federal buildings and installations to fly the U.S. flag on that day and may encourage citizens to observe the day with activities that promote interest in aviation.
