December 17th: Wright Brothers Day in the United States

Wright Brothers Day Celebrates the anniversary of their maiden flight.

Wright Brothers are known as the inventors of the first aeroplane. There are various competing claims of who made the first heavier than air powered flights. It is difficult to determine who actually created it. However, the Wright Flyer was the first patented aircraft. The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, have made exceptional contributions to the Aviation industry. 

History and Background

Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful flight on 17th December 1903, near Kitty Hawk in North Carolina. This day was marked as a historic moment for the Aviation industry. On September 24th, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, declared the anniversary of the maiden flight of Wright Brothers to be a Codified Holiday. Since then, 17th December has been declared Wright Brothers Day. Although it is only a commemorative day in the government calendar but not a government holiday. 

Celebrating This Day

Each year, annual proclamations are made by the US President, inviting the Americans to observe the Day with activities and ceremonies across the country. There are activities for school students focused on aviation or field trips are organized to aviation museums. Various luncheons across the country are held in honor of the Wrights’. Parents can also educate their children about airplanes and their inventors. It is an interesting story for the kids to learn about.

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