Wright Brothers Day is every December 17th.

History Of Wright Brothers Day:

  • 1933 DECEMBER 11. Gov. Miriam A. Ferguson, of Texas, proclaims December 17 as National Aviation Day in Texas in honor of the Wright brothers.
  • 1943 OCTOBER 5. Gov. J. Melville Broughton, of North Carolina, proclaims December 17 as Kitty Hawk Day and as a day of tribute to the Wright brothers.
  • 1953 DECEMBER 14–17. Nationwide celebration of 50th anniversary concludes with a four-day observance at Kill Devil Hill, sponsored by the Kill Devil Hills Memorial Society, the National Park Service, Air Force Association, and the North Carolina 50th Anniversary Commission.
  • 1959 AUGUST 31. Representative Joseph W. Martin, Jr., of Massachusetts, introduces H.J. Res. 513, designating December 17, 1959, as “Wright Brothers Day.” Resolution passes House September 3 and Senate September 9.
  • SEPTEMBER 21. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaims December 17, 1959, as “Wright Brothers Day.”
  • 1963 DECEMBER 17. House Joint Resolution 335, passed by House on October 7 and by the Senate on December 6, approved and proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, designating the 17th day of December of each year as “Wright Brothers Day.”
  • 1967 DECEMBER 6. President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaims December 17, 1967, as Wright Brothers Day.
  • 1968 DECEMBER 16. President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaims December 17, 1968, as Wright Brothers Day.
  • 1969 DECEMBER 11. President Richard M. Nixon proclaims December 17, 1969, as Wright Brothers Day.
  • 1970 DECEMBER 10. President Richard M. Nixon proclaims December 17, 1970, as Wright Brothers Day.

National Aviation Day is an event celebrated by

the First Flight Society

Photo by John T. Daniels
Photo by John T. Daniels

First Flight Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization devoted to fostering and promoting a public awareness of and wide-spread interest in the origin, history and future of flight, in all its forms and to memorialize Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Our Mission:

We tell the story of the Wright Brothers through community events, education, and the commemoration of the world’s very first powered flight, in Kitty Hawk, NC.

Our Vision: 

One day people everywhere will be inspired by the dauntless resolution and tireless work of the Wright Brothers.

Core Values:

Guiding Principal – We embrace the best traditions of the Wright Family – their dauntless resolution, tireless work and courage – in everything we do.

Passion for Flight – We are excited and inspired by all things aeronautical.

Trust – We earn the trust of our members, donors and partners through open communication, honesty and accountability.

Respect – We treat everyone with dignity, compassion and integrity.

Partnerships – We collaborate with others to get things done.

First Flight Society is a partner with the National Park Service at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The First Flight Society and Wright Brothers National Memorial share in our missions and purpose resulting in the benefit of a partnership that has endured since the Wright Brothers National Memorial became a part of the National Park System in 1933.

Celebrating the 12 Seconds that Changed the World!

Today, First Flight Society still serves its founding mission – and much more. Membership, programs, educational outreach, publications and scholarships were added over the years.

Wright Brothers National Memorial