Brian Smith

Brian Smith

To me history is a path of lessons that can be looked back on as a sort of guide for us to follow as we move in a forward direction. Like in history, lessons are only learned through an extensive process of trial and error. Without these tribulations, it would be impossible for historians to grow and teach the seemingly proper way to move through time. An outstanding event occurred on December 17, 1903, that allowed a specific set of trial and error to be written in as a lesson to everyone. This new lesson in history was made possible by none other than the Wright brothers. Their historical flight on the dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, marked a turning point in aviation, travel, military, and science. No one could have ever imagined the brothers would be successful in their adventures. Growing up, I was always part of a military family and being located on a military air station the majority of my life, specifically Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point and MCAS New River, allowed me to develop an appreciation for the machines that flew through the air. The appreciation grew into interest and eventually grew into research. During my senior year of high school I dove into the history of flight and created a historical presentation on the development of flight over the centuries. This final research project pushed me on a path to further my understanding of what makes something historically significant and to pursue a career in aviation. I would like to say growing up in close relation to the military and to aviation put me to where I am today. They influenced my history and I hope to use my knowledge to progress and maybe even put my own lesson in the history book.

Brian Smith

1903-12-07

Brian Smith

Still Image

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Photograph