National Aviation Day is observed annually in the United States on August 19th, a date chosen to honor the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright. Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the day was codified into law, allowing the sitting president to issue a yearly proclamation that encourages citizens to engage in activities promoting aviation and directs federal buildings to fly the US flag. Celebrations typically feature major air shows, such as the Chicago Air and Water Show, which in 2018 included a special "NASA village" that marked the agency’s 60th anniversary and showcased projects like the Space Launch System. The day is part of a broader set of American aviation observances, including Wright Brothers Day in December, and serves to inspire public interest in flight and aerospace innovation.