Category: August 19

  • NATIONAL POTATO DAY – August 19

    NATIONAL POTATO DAY | AUGUST 19

    Ah, spuds. On August 19th each year, the humble potato takes center stage. In truth, though, doesn’t it steal the show at nearly every meal?

    #NationalPotatoDay

    Whether baked, fried or mashed, these taters bring on the flavor. They are a staple of many meals, too. Filling a void for appetizer dishes and working double duty at suppertime, these versatile root veggies satisfy and fill us up.

    According to the International Potato Center, more than 4,000 varieties of potatoes grow around the world. Not only that, but they also come in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. This starchy carbohydrate comes with no fat or cholesterol and is loaded with Vitamin C and potassium. Depending on your dietary needs and how you prepare your potatoes, this vegetable offers what many are looking for. However, with 26 grams of carbohydrates, it’s a no-no in a low-carb lifestyle.

    When it comes to the health specs of a potato, we tend to tank the benefits when we prepare them. We fry them and load them with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and butter. Who doesn’t love a loaded baked potato? Ok, ok. You can all put your hands down, now.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL POTATO DAY

    With so many ways to savor a potato, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a way. However, we do have a few tateriffic ways to get you started:

    • Host a baked potato buffet. Line up all the best toppings such as cheese, jalapenos, bacon, chopped onions, chili, grilled chicken or ranch.
    • Tried French fries dipped in soft, vanilla ice cream. If you’ve never had it before, you will be surprised.
    • Swap out your corn chips with French fries and build a new kind of nacho. Think beer brats, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and sour cream for German flair. Aim for a bit of Irish celebration by using corned beef.
    • Share your favorite recipes. You know, the ones you always go to when you’re craving potatoes. Or, try a new recipe and give it a review.
    • Make a delicious potato soup. With so many different recipes, one of them is sure to satisfy!
    • Visit your favorite restaurant and pile on the potatoes. Whether it’s an entree or an appetizer, be sure to give the eatery a shout-out!
    • Check out this Home Fries recipe.

    While you’re celebrating, be sure to use #NationalPotatoDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL POTATO DAY HISTORY

    The nation’s comfort food has been celebrated since at least 2006. Before that National Potato Day celebrations had been cropping up throughout the year all across the country.

    Potato FAQ

    Q. Which is healthier, the white potato or the sweet potato?
    A. The sweet potato edges out the white potato thanks to fiber and vitamins. However, both are quite nutritious. How we prepare these root vegetables makes a bigger impact on our diet than the vegetables themselves. Frying vs. baking, toppings and more will tip the scales on nutrition quickly.

    Q. Are there other potato holidays?
    A. You bet your sweet potato there is! November is Sweet Potato Awareness Month. In February, we celebrate National Eat a Sweet Potato Day and in March we celebrate National Tater Day. And we can’t forget National French Fry Day in July.

    Q. How are potatoes prepared?
    A. Potatoes can be prepared in a number of ways. Besides baking, boiling, roasting and frying, potatoes are also used to make bread, pasta, hash browns, salads, pancakes, soup, croquettes, among other preparations.

    Q. What country produces the most potatoes?
    A. In 2016, China produced the most potatoes at more than 99 million tonnes. The United States comes in 5th behind India, Russia, and Ukraine.

     

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  • INTERNATIONAL ORANGUTAN DAY – August 19

    INTERNATIONAL ORANGUTAN DAY

    For the love of orangutans, International Orangutan Day on August 19th spreads awareness about the threat of their extinction. Celebrate these fantastic apes and encourage the public to take action in protecting them.

    Since orangutans have 97% of the same DNA as humans, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they are quite intelligent. This fact might explain why the word “orangutan” translates into English as “person of the forest.” Here are some more fun facts about orangutans:

    • In captivity can live up to 60 years
    • Orangutans mainly eat fruits and leaves
    • Spend most of their time in the trees where they swing from branch to branch
    • Can weigh up to 100 kg, which equals 220 pounds
    • Have an arm span of 6.5 feet
    • There are three species of orangutans, including the Bornean, the Sumatran, and the Tapanuli. Sadly, all three of these species are endangered.

    According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are only 104,700 Bornean orangutans, 7,500 Sumatran orangutans, and only 800 Tapanuli orangutans. Sadly, the biggest threats to an orangutan’s existence are human. For example, deforestation encroaches on their habitat. Additionally, illegal hunting takes 3,000 orangutan lives each year. Some wildlife experts predict the orangutan’s extinction in the wild within the next 50 years.

    Several organizations are involved in helping to protect orangutans. Some of these organizations include the Centre for Orangutan Protection, the Sumatran Orangutan Society, The Orangutan Project, Orangutan Outreach, and Humane Society International.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalOrangutanDay

    If you love orangutans, you’ll want to do your part to help them survive extinction. Even if you have never seen a live orangutan, you may recognize a famous one. For example, the one in the Clint Eastwood movie, Every Which Way but Loose, or Louie in the Disney Production of Jungle Book.
    If you want to help save the orangutans, consider these suggestions:

    • Volunteer at your local zoo
    • Donate to an orangutan rescue organization
    • Go to RedApes.org and adopt an orangutan
    • Learn how deforestation is threatening the existence of these red apes
    • Take photo of one of these amazing apes and post it to World Orangutan Events Facebook Page

    HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL ORANGUTAN DAY

    World Orangutan Events founded International Orangutan Day (which at one time was called World Orangutan Day) as a way to promote conservation and welfare. The organization also oversees Orangutan Caring Week, held in November of each year.

     

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  • WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY – August 19

    WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY 

    Each year, World Humanitarian Day is held on August 19th to honor aid workers who put their lives at risk to better the lives of others. The day also rallies support for people around the world affected by crises. Around the world, the United Nations, along with International organizations and Non-governmental organizations, come together to observe World Humanitarian Day. The day is commemorated with fundraisers for relief organizations, lectures, and a variety of events to increase awareness for those living in crisis.

    Since the inception of the day, each year focuses on a particular theme. For instance, in 2010 the emphasis concentrated on the work and achievements of humanitarian workers in the field. To learn about the theme for each year, visit un.org.

    Humanitarians are credited for providing life-saving assistance to millions of people in need around the world. Oftentimes, they give aid in the middle of a war, conflict, famine, and natural disasters. While trying to help those in need, over 700 humanitarian workers have lost their lives or experienced dangerous situations.

    Despite the difficult job, humanitarians serve selflessly to meet the basic needs of some of the most helpless people in the world. These needs include food, clothing, shelter, and a safe place to stay. An estimated 130 million people throughout the world live in crisis and are in need of humanitarian aid. As natural disasters, economic crises, and conflicts increase, so will the need for humanitarian workers.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldHumanitarianDay

    Some of the most famous humanitarians include Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, and Desmond Tutu. Some of these famous humanitarians help those living in crisis situations by the wealth they have amassed. For others, being a humanitarian has cost them their lives.

    You don’t have to be a celebrity, have lots of money, or travel to a third-world country to be a humanitarian. All you need to do is have the desire to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate.
    Here are some things you can do to take part in World Humanitarian Day:

    • Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen
    • Donate some of your personal belongings to someone in need
    • Make a contribution to a relief organization
    • Do a random act of kindness for a complete stranger

    Use #WorldHumanitarianDay to share on social media.

    WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY HISTORY

    The General Assembly of the United Nations established World Humanitarian Day in 2008. It was first observed on August 19, 2009. The observance occurred exactly six years after the 2002 Canal Hotel Bombing in Baghdad, where 22 people died. Among those killed was the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights.

     

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  • WORLD HONEY BEE DAY – Third Saturday in August

    WORLD HONEY BEE DAY

    World Honey Bee Day on the third Saturday in August brings a buzzing celebration for beekeepers, honey lovers, and all blooming things.

    #WorldHoneyBeeDay

    The day recognizes both the honey bee and the beekeepers who tend the hives. It also encourages everyone to enjoy and buy locally grown honey.

    Another important part of the day includes learning about honey bees and providing them with a supportive environment. When we plant wildflowers, orchards, and other flowering plants, we support pollinators such as honey bees. They depend on the nectar of a variety of plants for their survival. Conversely, we depend on honeybees for our survival, too! Without their pollinating abilities, many nutritious plants wouldn’t reproduce.

    Besides, their delicious honey is an added bonus. We enjoy it in our baking, teas, and confections.

    Honey bees do sting, but only if they perceive a threat – damage to their hive or being swatted at. Since they seek sweet nectar, sugary drinks and sweets will attract honey bees when flowers are not blooming yet.  So, keep your beverages covered. If a honey bee comes close, either hold still or move slowly away. The honey bee will fly along to the next sweet thing as long as it doesn’t feel threatened.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD HONEY BEE DAY

    • Collect and spread local wildflower seeds to promote honey bee pollination.
    • Flavors of honey vary depending on the variety of flowers and nectar available to the bees.
    • Clover, alfalfa, lavender, orange, and chestnut are just a few to choose from.
    • Replace your usual sweetener with honey for the day. Taste the difference!
    • Give the gift of honey to a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member.

    Don’t forget to share with your honey, too! Use #WorldHoneyBeeDay to post on social media.

    WORLD HONEY BEE DAY HISTORY

    World Honey Bee Day began as National Honey Bee Day in 2009 with a proclamation issued by the Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas J. Vilsek. The day grew rapidly bringing awareness to the benefits and environmental needs of honey bees.

    Honey Bee FAQ

    Q. What does a beekeeper do?
    A. Also known as an Apiarist, a beekeeper is responsible for maintaining hives. This may include inspecting for disease and other issues, replace the queen bee if needed, provide forage or bee food, offer pollination services, and harvest honey.

    Q. How many honey bees live in one hive?
    A. One honey bee colony can have a population of 20,000 to 60,000 bees.

    Q. How much honey does one hive produce?
    A. It all depends on the availability of nectar and the health of the hive. Season of drought, rain, or disease will impact a hive. When conditions are ideal a healthy hive can produce up to 200 pounds of honey per year.

    Q. How many queens does a honey bee colony have?
    A. One. If the queen dies, the hive or the beekeeper will replace her. The hive also consists of male bees called drones and female worker bees.

    Dates:
    20 August 2022
    19 August 2023
    17 August 2024
    16 August 2025
    15 August 2026
    21 August 2027
    19 August 2028
    18 August 2029
    17 August 2030

     

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  • INTERNATIONAL BOW DAY – August 19

    International Bow Day | August 19
    International Bow Day | August 19

    INTERNATIONAL BOW DAY | AUGUST 19

    On August 19, International Bow Day recognizes the accessory that has been changing fashion for centuries – bows! Adding accessories makes just about any look so much better.

    #InternationalBowDay

    During the 18th century, men primarily wore bows. However, as fashion trends changed, women began to wear the accessory, too. They chose a variety of fabrics, styles, sizes to compliment their wardrobe. Throughout the generations, bows continue to maintain their fashion power. While they never went out of style, designs and place dictated the fashion trends.

    On International Bow Day, celebrate your style with bows. Whether you chose to where them in your hair on as a clothing accessory, there’s something for everyone!

    HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL BOW DAY

    Whether you’re adding to your style or reinventing it, be sure to accent it with a bow! While wearing your favorite bow accessories, use #InternationalBowDay and #itsatclaires to share on social media.

    Tag us on Instagram:
    @ClairesPress @clairesstores @claireseurope @icingstores
    #DestinationClaires
    #PartyStartsAtIcing

    INTERNATIONAL BOW DAY HISTORY

    Claire’s founded International Bow Day to celebrate and share the versatile, lasting global trends of the bow. Claire’s has a full range of bow accessories for girls no matter what their style! Customers can find bow themed products in almost every category carried by Claire’s.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared International Bow Day to be observed annually beginning in 2017.

    About Claire’s:

    Claire’s® is seen as one of the world’s leading specialty retailers of fashionable jewelry and accessories for young women, teens, tweens, and kids. Our goal is to be the emporium of choice for all girls (in age or attitude) across the world. We deliver this by offering a range of innovative, fun, and affordable products and services catering to all of her activities, as she grows up. Whenever and wherever Claire’s becomes a “Girl’s Best Friend” and her favorite shopping destination! Our broad and dynamic selection of merchandise is unique, and over 90% of our products are proprietary.

    As of January 31, 2017, Claire’s® had a presence in 49 countries through the 2,414 company-operated Claire’s® stores in North America and Europe, 933 concession store-in-stores and 584 franchised stores in numerous other geographies, namely the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and South Africa.

    Bow FAQ

    Q. Can people with short hair wear bows?
    A. Yes! Small bows on bobby pins and barrettes add a bit of style to bobs, pixies, tom, and pageboy cuts. Another way to wear a hair bow with short hair is by tying a light fabric to a headband.

    Q. Are hair bows only for children?
    A. No. Adults and children alike can wear a bow in their hair. Bows come in many styles allowing for looks that are professional, elegant, practical, and whimsical depending on your mood.

    Q. What other accessories do people wear in their hair?
    A. Barrettes, combs, ribbons, clips, gemstones, bobby pins, flowers, bands, bandanas, scarves.

     

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  • WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY – August 19

    WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY

    Every year on August 19th, World Photography Day (also known as World Photo Day) celebrates the art, craft, science, and history of photography. The day also encourages photographers from around the globe to share a single photo that encapsulates their world.

    The kind of photography we know today dates back to 1839. At that time, the French Academy of Sciences announced the Daguerreotype process. The process made it possible to create a highly detailed image on a sheet of copper. The sheet was coated with a thin coat of silver, and the process did not require the use of a negative. It became the first method for obtaining a permanent image with a camera.

    When is National Selfie Day?

    Over 40 years later in 1884, George Eastman from Rochester, NY refined the Daguerreotype process. He replaced the copper plate with a dry gel on paper, which he called film. This invention alleviated the need for photographers to carry around heavy copper plates and toxic chemicals. In 1888, Eastman developed the Kodak camera. The inventional allowed virtually anyone to take a photo.

    With the explosion of digital photography, many people no longer use film in their cameras. However, some photographers would rather use film than digital photography. Some of the reasons they prefer film include:

    • Higher resolution
    • No electricity required
    • Fewer copyright issues
    • Easier to lose a digital photo than one on film

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPhotographyDay

    The best way to observe this day is to share your favorite photo with others. This can include actual printed photographs or digital photos. You can also submit a photo to WorldPhotographyDay.com

    Other ways to observe this day include:

    • Learn about photography and the skills it takes to be a photographer.
    • Talk to a photographer and find out why they enjoy their profession.
    • Get family photos taken by a professional photographer.
    • Read about famous photographers including Robert Frank, Ansel Adams, Anne Geddes, and David Bailey.
    • Go to your local bookstore and peruse the photography books.
    • Commit to taking a photography course.
    • Follow these TIPS to get the most out of your camera.

    Be sure to share a favorite photo or two on social media with #WorldPhotographyDay.

    WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY HISTORY

    The first World Photography Day was held on August 19, 2010. It was on this date that nearly 270 photographers shared their pictures in a global online gallery. People from over 100 countries visited the online gallery. This event marked the first official World Photography Day. The day is held August 19th as it’s the date in 1839 that the government in France purchased the patent for the Daguerreotype process. The French government called the invention of the Daguerreotype process a free gift to the world.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

    National Day Calendar® is protected under the copyright laws of the United States. All information on this page, including design, audio, video, text, photographs, and graphics, is owned and controlled by National Day Calendar. Duplicating, plagiarizing, or falsely claiming creative ownership, printed or digital, without consent of National Day Calendar, is considered a violation of United States copyright laws. See full description of National Day Calendar copyright rules.

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  • NATIONAL SOFT ICE CREAM DAY – August 19

    NATIONAL SOFT ICE CREAM DAY | AUGUST 19

    National Soft Ice Cream Day on August 19th gives us a tasty way to cool off on a hot summer day. Whether you enjoy it in a bowl or on a cone, grab some soft serve and enjoy!

    #NationalSoftIceCreamDay

    Melting Ice Cream

    In 1934 on Memorial Day weekend in Hartsdale, New York, Tom Carvel had a flat tire. After pulling his ice cream truck into a parking lot, the businessman knew his product was melting. As vacationers drove by, Carvel sold the softened ice cream to them. Surprisingly, they loved the soft ice cream! The potential for a new dessert was not lost on the salesman. Instead of a roving ice cream truck, Carvel could have a fixed location with soft ice cream.

    Two years later, Tom Carvel opened his first ice cream store on the site where his truck broke down. In the preceding years, Carvel patented a super low-temperature ice cream machine and created a secret formula ice cream.

    It wasn’t long before other businesses began to crop up. The hard ice cream industry began to object. Despite both products providing similar flavors, servings, and enjoyment, they were different. Hard ice cream business did suffer a reduction in revenue during the first years of soft ice cream’s popularity. Even the Minnesota legislature passed laws prohibiting the sale (technically by law it was considered to be ice milk) of soft-serve ice cream from a machine. It had to be sold pre-packaged. The law was later changed. (Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 19 Aug 1951)

    Soft vs. Hard Ice Creams

    How different are soft and hard ice creams? While they are made with the same ingredients, soft ice cream has less milk fat. It also has more air than hard ice cream. Both of these factors contribute to the ice cream being more delicate and smoother. The milk fats in the hard ice cream cause it to be firmer when frozen.

    Another difference is the temperatures the ice creams are kept frozen. Soft ice cream machines keep a temperature of -6°C. However, hard ice cream is kept at a temperature of -12°C. While that might not seem like a big difference, the evidence is in the ice creams.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SOFT ICE CREAM DAY

    There are many ways to enjoy soft ice cream. Order a dipped cone or have a sundae. Soft ice cream comes in a variety of flavors. One that seems to taste better as soft serve is chocolate mint. However, that may just be an opinion. Go out for some soft ice cream and use #NationalSoftIceCreamDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL SOFT ICE CREAM DAY HISTORY

    We were unable to find the creator of National Soft Ice Cream Day.

    Ice Cream FAQ

    Q. How many ice cream holidays are on the calendar?
    A. As of 2021, there are 20 ice cream days on the calendar including National Frozen Yogurt Day and National Frozen Custard Day. Most of them land in July which is also National Ice Cream Month.

    Q. What are the main ingredients in ice cream?
    A. Ice cream’s main ingredients include milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. However, many commercial ice creams use a variety of additional ingredients to enhance flavor and improve creaminess. Those ingredients may include corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, glycerides (a type of fat), guar or xanthan gum to name a few.

    Q. Is homemade ice cream healthier than store-bought?
    A. It can be. When it comes to making your own ice cream, you can control the ingredients, including the amount of sugar, fat, and type of dairy used. For those who cannot have dairy, many recipes substitute nut milk for cow’s milk.

    Q. Is ice cream unhealthy?
    A. Like any dessert, eating ice cream in moderation is not unhealthy. Limiting serving sizes and eating it as an occasional treat should not impact your health. There are also healthier options available such as low-fat, low-calorie options.

     

    August 19th Celebrated History

    1839 

    At a joint session of the Académie des Sciences and the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Louis Daguerre reveals the process for his photographic process.

    1856

    Gail Borden patents his process for making condensed milk – patent no. 15,553.

    1861 

    James Tyndall completes the first ascent of the Weisshorn – the 5th highest peak in the Alps.

    1880 

    Paul Boynton and George Fearn compete in an international swimming race. The race required Boynton to swim 12 miles and Fearn to swim 10. Boynton wins due to Fearn suffering cramps.

    1887 

    Dmitri Mendeleev (founder of the modern-day periodic table) makes a solo ascent by balloon for the sheer purpose of observing a solar eclipse.

    1909 

    The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts its first race. While several records were broken, two men (one driver and one mechanic) were killed during the 250-mile race.

    1913

    Clarence Crane registers the Life Savers trademark for the first time.

    1919 

    William B. Ward registers the trademark for Hostess.

    1950

    The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) begins airing Saturday morning television shows for children – and none of them were cartoons either. The two featured shows were Animal Clinic and Acrobat Ranch.

    2002

    The Smithsonian Museum of American History puts Julia Child’s kitchen on display.

    2004 

    Carly Patterson wins the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the Olympic Games in Athens, becoming the second American to do so. The first? Mary Lou Retton. However, since Retton won her all-round under a boycotted Olympics, Patterson’s gold is the first at a non-boycotted Olympics.

    2008 

    Lady Gaga releases her first album – The Fame.

    2016 

    At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, a six-way tie for first in the equestrian individual jumping competition leads to a jump-off to name the winner.

    August 19th Celebrated Birthdays

    Seth Thomas – 1785

    Thomas pioneered the mass production of clocks.

    Charles Hires – 1851

    The Philadelphia pharmacist developed a drink he called root beer.

    Charles Comiskey – 1859

    Beginning his professional baseball career as first baseman for the St. Louis Brown Stockings, Comiskey would go on to be a founding owner of the Chicago White Sox.

    Orville Wright – 1871

    As a Dayton, Ohio native, Wright, along with his brother Wilbur, would be the first to successfully fly a motor-powered plane.

    Gabrielle Coco Chanel – 1883

    Founder of the Chanel brand, the French fashion designer’s line of products lives on.

    Ogden Nash -1902

    Nash’s light-hearted poetry brought a particular style of humor to the poetry world. He also worked at the publishing house Doubleday and on the staff of the New Yorker. Some examples of Nash’s twists of phrase include:

    Celery

    Celery, raw
    Develops the jaw,
    But celery, stewed
    Is more quietly chewed.

    Reflection on Babies

    A bit of talcum
    Is always walcum.

    Reflections on Ice-Breaking

    Candy
    Is Dandy
    But liquor
    Is quicker.

    Saint Alphonsa – 1910

    Born Annakkutty in present-day Kerala, India, she would become a religious teacher at Vakakkad. She died at the convent of the Franciscan Clarists at Bharananganam in 1946. In 1986, Pope John Paull II proclaimed her St. Alphonsa, the first saint of Indian origin.

    Rose Heilbron – 1914

    As an attorney and barrister, Heilbron became the first woman appointed to the Kings Counsel. She broke several other barriers as well, one such first was as a woman judge in 1972.

    Ring Lardner, Jr. – 1915

    As a journalist and screenwriter, Lardner won two Oscars. The first was for the 1943 film Woman of the Year and the second was for the 1970 film MASH.

    Malcolm Forbes – 1919

    The businessman and editor took over the publication of Forbes in 1954 after the death of his father, B.C. Forbes.

    Edgar Frank Codd – 1923

    As a pioneering programmer for IBM, Cobb developed several methods and processes for data processing.

    Bill Shoemaker – 1931

    One of the best-known jockeys in racing history, Shoemaker was the winningest jockey of his time.

    Bettina Cirone – 1933

    The one-time fashion model became a photographer in her own right.

    Charles Wang – 1944

    The entrepreneur is co-founder and CEO of the multibillion-dollar software company Computer Associates International.

    Bill Clinton – 1946

    Clinton served two terms as the 42nd President of the United States.

    Gary Gaetti – 1958

    The professional baseball player, Gary Gaetti, played third base for several MLB teams including the Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox.

    John Stamos – 1963

    The actor is best known for his roles in television sitcoms including Full House, Fuller House and Grandfathered.

    Lee Ann Womack – 1966

    The country music singer is best known for her hit song “I Hope You Dance” for which she earned an Academy of Country Music Award for single record of the year in 2001.

    Chynna Clugston – 1975

    The comic book creator is known for her works Blue Monday and Queen Bee.

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  • NATIONAL AVIATION DAY – August 19

    NATIONAL AVIATION DAY | AUGUST 19

    National Aviation Day on August 19th recognizes the pioneers of human flight.  

    #NationalAviationDay

    For centuries, humans have been fascinated by flight. In ancient China, kites few to investigate the weather. Inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci developed many ideas about flight, too. Gliders and balloons lifted humans into the sky, but none of the inventions gave a person control of where they flew.

    Before Powered Flight

    The physics of flight and propulsion play key roles in who became pioneers. George Cayley used aerodynamics while designing fixed-wing aircraft. His designs would later inspire Orville and Wilbur Wright.

    Since propulsion is one of the primary requirements to lift a human into the sky for flight, it would make sense that an engine could provide that power. Samuel Langley, an astronomer from Boston, designed a steam-powered model called an aerodrome in 1891. It flew for 3/4ths of a mile.

    After receiving a grant to build a full-sized aerodrome, Langley’s first test crashed. He never made another attempt.

    First Powered Flight

    In a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, two inventors eagerly began testing their ideas about flight. Brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, had studied Octave Chanute’s 1894 Progress in Flying Machines. The brothers set to work testing their designs, first with gliders. Eventually, they sought to add an engine.

    Two American inventors and aviation pioneers, the Wright brothers are credited with inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane and making the first controlled powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight on December 17, 1903.

    In 1902, Charles Edward Taylor joined their team in pursuit of powered flight. Since automobile companies couldn’t supply an engine light enough and powerful enough, they would have to build it. Taylor, a machinist, set to work building the 12-horsepower engine. It took Taylor 6 weeks to build the engine.

    After completing the design in September of 1903, the Wrights returned to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Just months before, they had successfully tested their glider. However, setbacks and weather postponed the powered flight.

    It wasn’t until mid-December that the brothers finally felt all was in order. After flipping a coin to decide who would pilot the machine, Wilbur climbed aboard. The first attempt failed, only flying 3.5 seconds. However, the brothers learned what worked.

    The next attempt on December 17, 1903, Orville took the controls. After launching, the machine flew for 120 feet. Man flew.

    Since that day, aviation exploded into the skies. Its applications became immediately apparent to the military. The Wrights consulted with the Army for several years after their success.

    Now that humans could fly, they set new challenges – flying across oceans, around the world, and into space.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL AVIATION DAY

    Explore the world of aviation. There are so many ways to do it, too!

    • Read about firsts in flight. Read the memoirs and other books about aviation’s pioneers. Here are a few to start with: A Dream of Wings by Tom D. Crough, The Fun of It by Amelia Earhart, Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg, Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History by Keith O’Brien, or Three-Eight Charlie: 1st Woman to Fly Solo by Jerrie Mock.
    • Watch a documentary such as The Making of the Boeing 747 or Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention.
    • Explore aviation museums.
    • Take a flight.
    • Learn to fly.
    • Build a model plane. 

    Use #NationalAviationDay to post on social media and spread the word.

    Educators and Families, be sure to check out the National Day Calendar Classroom for more ways to Celebrate Every Day!

    NATIONAL AVIATION DAY HISTORY

    In 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established National Aviation Day by presidential proclamation designating the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday for the observance. Born August 19, 1871, Orville Wright was still living when President Roosevelt issued the proclamation. Orville Wright continued living for nine more years until his death in 1948.

    Proclamation USC 36:I:A:1:118 allows the sitting United States President to proclaim August 19th as National Aviation Day each year. If desired, the President’s proclamation may direct all federal buildings and installations to fly the U.S. flag on that day. The President may encourage citizens to observe the day with activities that promote interest in aviation.

    Aviation FAQ

    Q. What kind of jobs are in aviation?
    A. Aviation is filled with opportunities and pilots aren’t the only ones who can benefit. The field requires engineers, mechanics, safety specialists, air traffic controllers, airport managers, logistical engineers, and of course, pilots.

    Q. Do pilots have to have 20/20 vision?
    A. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, first-class and second-class pilots require 20/20 distance-vision with or without correction. A third-class private pilot requires 20/40 distance-vision or better with or without correction. All pilots require 20/40 near-vision or better with or without correction.

    Q. Is there an age requirement to get a pilot’s license?
    A. Yes. Airplane pilots must be at least 16-years-old to begin flying lessons.

     

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