National Aviation Day
Few technologies have had as dramatic an effect on human civilization as aviation. Aviation has allowed people to travel to exotic locations they would’ve never been able to reach in the past, helped drive tourism and business all over the world, and helped make the world feel just a little bit smaller. That is why National Aviation Day is a holiday that’s celebrated annually on August 19th and a holiday in which everyone is free to celebrate flight, as well as the pioneers of flight.Â
United States (Observance) The History of National Aviation Day
This day was first established as a holiday in 1939 by U.S President Franklin D. Roosevelt by way of a presidential proclamation. He intended this day to be a day in which people celebrate the development of aviation and the aviation pioneers who made it possible. August 19th was selected for this day because it’s also the anniversary of the birthday of Orville Wright. Orville Wright was born on August 19th, 1871. Orville Wright was still alive when his birthday was made a holiday dedicated to flight, and he would live until January 30th, 1948.Â
How To Observe National Aviation Day
There are a ton of different ways for people to celebrate National Aviation Day and they’re only limited by their imagination. Although this holiday isn’t a public holiday, so businesses or public institutions aren’t closed on this day, people can still enjoy this day on their own. Below are some tips that will enable all to observe this holiday in their own personal way.Â
Schools Can Hold Special Aviation Day Events
The first thing that can be done to honor the achievements of aviation pioneers is to teach about their achievements in the classroom. Students can read about the Wright brothers, learn about X-planes, or work on STEM learning modules that can help start them down a path in aviation. NASA also offers teachers special printable educational material that they can incorporate into the classroom.Â
People Can Visit Science Museums
Another way to observe this holiday is to visit science museums in your area. All over the U.S., there are science museums that often offer special events on National Aviation Day. The NASA visitor center is also a good place for people to visit on this day.Â
Read A Book On Aviation History
This is also a good day for people to read their favorite books on aviation. There are several great aviation books available that include The Wright Brothers by David McCullough, Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg, Fate is the Hunter by Ernest K. Gann, and West With The Night by Beryl Markham. These books can be found at a local library or bought online at various online outlets.
United States (Observance) 
