Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

You may think that, as the inventors who revolutionized both war and peace, the Wright brothers had good reason to boast. Today on Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith continues his discussion of the Wright brothers during the 100th year after their achievement.

Mike Smith:


In 1905, two years after the Wright brothers' first successful flight at Kitty Hawk, the magazine Scientific American dismissed the story as a hoax. But in 1906, the magazine finally gave proper credit to the two brothers with this editorial: "In all the history of invention, there is probably no parallel to the [humble] manner in which the Wright brothers ushered into the world their epoch-making invention of the first successful aeroplane flying-machine."


Orville and Wilbur Wright were men of character who not only accomplished a great deal, but also lived with humility. They refused to compromise their principles-as demonstrated in their dedication to their country. The Wright brothers were determined to give the U.S. government a world monopoly on their patents and piloting secrets.


But like the rest of the world, the U.S. government initially dismissed the brothers and refused to investigate the credibility of their offers. Wilbur and Orville turned down offers from foreign governments in hopes that the U.S. would eventually come around. It was a long five years before the United States government recognized the potential of their invention and the brothers received the recognition they deserved.


The Wright brothers-and their parents-are humble heroes. Mr. and Mrs. Wright gave their boys the gift of a lifelong love of learning. In turn, Orville and Wilbur used their learning to give mankind the gift of flight.


And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.