NATIONAL AVIATION DAY BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

National Aviation Day is celebrated on August 19. The day was established in 1939 by Franklin D. Roosevelt to honor the birthday of Orville Wright. In 1903, Orville piloted his first successful flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, at age 32. The flight lasted twelve seconds, during which the flyer reached a height of 10 feet and a top speed of around 6.8 miles per hour. Along with his brother Wilbur, Orville demonstrated that air travel was indeed possible.

Honoring our brave aviators is a mission of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as the Blue Angels. Their aerial displays have amazed us since their creation in 1946. An estimated 11 million spectators attend air shows from March through November. The spectacular season-ending Homecoming Air Show will be held at their home base, the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, on November 7-8.

The Blue Angels’ heart-stopping air shows stir pride in our great country. They serve as ambassadors of U.S. Naval aviation, lifting our spirits and reminding us of our nation’s remarkable capabilities. We salute the brave aviators in our Harbor Hills community and worldwide on National Aviation Day, honoring them for their “teamwork, professionalism, and precision.”

Ready to mix and mingle? Join members in the Griffinview lounge next Monday, August 25th, for a lively night of happy hour drink specials, great music, and a burger buffet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Members will wrap up the month on Wednesday, August 27th, with a special comfort food buffet. And who doesn’t need a little comfort these days? Reservations requested.