So What The Heck ... Get Out And Fly

Sunday, August 19th, is National Aviation Day. And while its not a national holiday, what better reason to get your bird out of the barn and go fly.

The day was first proclaimed in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt. It is not surprisingly also the birthday of Orville Wright, who made history as the firts person to fly a heavier-than-air machine under its own power. We're all very familiar with that famous 12-second, 120-foot flight on the dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17th 1903.

The proclamation allows the President of the United States to declare August 19th each year as National Aviation Day, and direct all federal buildings and installations to fly the U.S. flag. He or she may also encourage citizens to observe the occasions with activities that promote interest in aviation.

There has traditionally been a schedule of activities put on by the National Parks Service at the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kitty Hawk, though none has been officially announced for Sunday. Though if you're in the area, what better reason to stop by and contemplate where it all began.

FMI: www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm