The Dare County Board of Commissioners recently passed a resolution recognizing the invaluable contributions to the field of aviation that were made by Katharine Wright — younger sister of aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright — and urging the state legislatures of Ohio and North Carolina to pay tribute to her contributions on National Aviation Day, which is observed annually on August 19.
Established by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1939, National Aviation Day celebrates the development of aviation and is held on the birthday of Orville Wright, whose younger sister coincidentally shares the same date of birth.
Katharine Wright’s strong character, practical advice and unwavering support for her older brothers’ endeavors to achieve flight played an immense and essential role in their ultimate success in achieving the world’s first powered flight on December 17, 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
“It will never be lost on we who call Dare County home that those few words wired to 7 Hawthorn Street in Dayton, Ohio, on the fateful day that mankind ascended to the skies in powered flight were sent to Katharine, the brothers’ beloved sister, business manager and glue that held the Wright family together through good times and bad,” said Dare County Commissioner Danny Couch. “It’s time to acknowledge the critical role she played in achieving and sustaining the Wright family’s legacy, and the good people of Dare County take great pride in encouraging the nation and the world to salute Katharine Wright and the Wright family.”
Telegram from Orville Wright announcing the first successful powered flight on December 17, 1903.
In addition to acknowledging the need to recognize her incredible contributions to the world of aviation, the resolution also highlights the role of the First Flight Society, one of North Carolina’s oldest non-profit organizations, in promoting the history and future of flight.
In partnership with the Dare County Regional Airport, the Kitty Hawk-based organization hosts a National Aviation Day celebration annually on August 19 at the facility, which is located at 410 Airport Road in Manteo, North Carolina.
“We would like to thank Dare County Commissioner Danny Couch and the other Dare County commissioners for passing this resolution,” said Mike Fonseca, president of the First Flight Society. “The First Flight Society is thrilled to see the recognition of the importance of Katharine Wright’s role in her brothers’ success.”
To view a PDF of the resolution that was passed by the Dare County Board of Commissioners, please click here.
