Leonardtown, MD – National Aviation Day is celebrated annually on August 19. President Franklin Roosevelt first proclaimed the day in 1939 as a way to celebrate the history and development of the aviation industry in the United States. The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County continue the tradition by issuing a proclamation to recognize the day in 2018.

The county’s largest employer, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, is at the forefront of providing readiness for research, development, testing and evaluation, acquisition, engineering and fleet support to the entire range of manned and unmanned naval aircraft, engines, avionics, aircraft support systems and ship/shore/air operations.

To expand the dreams of tomorrow’s aviators, the Young Eagles hosted another successful Young Eagle’s rally on June 6 by providing free plane rides to local youth.

To honor the county’s and Navy’s contributions to aviation history, the new Naval Air Museum & Visitors Center has opened to provide opportunities for visitors to experience the evolution of U.S. Naval Aviation history. Exhibits include naval aviation’s technology history, simulators, vital hands-on and interactive demonstrations of the aeronautical sciences.

“St. Mary’s County Regional Airport serves as the base of operations for the Maryland State Police Medevac, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Civil Air Patrol, Navy Annapolis Flight Center, Experimental Aircraft Association, several other general aviation service providers,” said Commissioner Todd Morgan (4th District). “The airport has expanded to include the construction of new hangar space and a University of Maryland research and development facility for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.”

Gretchen Hardman, Southern Maryland Intergovernmental Representative for Governor Larry Hogan, read a National Aviation Day citation from the Governor.

In recognizing August 19 as National Aviation Day, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County expresses its appreciation to the St. Mary’s County Airport Advisory Committee for its volunteer efforts over the past year. They also encourage citizens to take an interest in and to take advantage of opportunities in aviation and aviation – related activities.

Images courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Public Information Office