FORT RUCKER, Ala. (WDNews) — The U.S. Army Aviation Museum will host its annual National Aviation Day celebration on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering a full day of free activities, exhibits and community engagement for all ages.
The event, now in its third year under the current format, will feature more than 40 vendors and organizations from across the Wiregrass, including local businesses, community service providers and military partners. This year’s celebration will have double the number of participating partners compared to previous years.
Highlights include a visit from John Collins, known as “The Paper Airplane Guy” and world record holder for paper airplane flight, as well as a mobile planetarium experience from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Families can enjoy hands-on activities like a flight simulator, bounce house, super slide, and static displays from the Friends of Army Aviation.
Vendors will offer information, demonstrations, games, and giveaways, with many providing services or resources for local families. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day.
The celebration also commemorates the history of National Aviation Day, first proclaimed in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to honor the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright and to promote interest in flight.
Admission to the museum and all activities is free. Non-military visitors will need to obtain a visitor pass to enter Fort Rucker. Information on how to do so is available at https://home.army.mil/rucker/visit.
The event is hosted by the Army Aviation Museum Foundation and sponsored by M1: Mission First.
