Commemoration

Commemoration wayside

NPS

On December 17, 1928, only 25 years after the Wrights achieved flight, thousands gathered at this remote place to celebrate the global importance of the birth of flight. Three thousand people, from more than forty nations, witnessed the laying of the Wright Brothers Monument cornerstone. The monument atop Big Kill Devil Hill is our nation’s tribute to the brothers. The National Aeronautical Association dedicated the First Flight Boulder, marking the takeoff point of the first flights.Even today, more than 100 years since their achievement, people from all over the world visit this site to honor and remember the Wright Brothers – and find inspiration.

The image on the exhibit shows a black and white photograph of Orville Wright, and others standing in front of the First Flight Boulder. Orville is wearing a suit and holding his hat in his hand. In front of the boulder is a flowered wreath. Standing to the right side of the image is a well-dressed man in a suit, with light colored hair and a woman wearing a 20’s style hat and a large fur coat. Notable aviators, like Orville Wright (center left) and Amelia Earhart (right), attended the unveiling of the First Flight Boulder.