19 August: National Aviation Day

Boeing 314, California Clipper, NC18602, over Oakland, California. Photographed by Clyde Herwood Sunderland, Jr. (1900–1989).

In 1939, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, proclaimed Orville Wright’s birthday, 19 August, as National Aviation Day.

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Whereas the people of the United States may justly claim to have taken a leading part in the development of the science of aeronautics and to enjoy today an outstanding position among the nations of the world in the use of air transport; and

Whereas Public Resolution No. 32, Seventy-fifth Congress, first session, approved May 25, 1937, provides in part:

That the President of the United States is authorized to designate May 28, 1937, as National Aviation Day, and to issue a proclamation calling upon officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on that day, and Inviting the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate exercises to further and stimulate Interest in aviation in the United States.

Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, acting in accord with the purposes of the Congress to stimulate interest in aviation with a view to the further advancement of the science of aeronautics, do hereby call upon the people of the United States to observe May 28, 1937, as National Aviation Day with appropriate exercises, and do direct Government officials to display the flag on all Government buildings on that day.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this 26th day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and thirty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixty-first.

Signature of Franklin D. Roosevelt
FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT

By the President:
SUMMER WELLES
Acting Secretary of State.

The Boeing XB-15, 35-277, flies past the Wright Brothers Memorial at the Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. (U.S. Air Force)

© 2024, Bryan R. Swopes

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About Bryan Swopes

Bryan R. Swopes grew up in Southern California in the 1950s–60s, near the center of America's aerospace industry. He has had a life-long interest in aviation and space flight. Bryan is a retired commercial helicopter pilot and flight instructor.

2 thoughts on “19 August: National Aviation Day

  1. Hi Brian – I’ve enjoyed your site for many years, and now I may be able to return some of the favor. I’ve run across a couple pieces of helicopter and 727 memorabilia when cleaning out a relatives attic that I’d be happy to pass along. If you’ll shoot me an email address I’ll send you a scan, see if you’d like them.
    Regards, Pat

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