Celebrating Teamwork this National Aviation Day

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This message was originally shared on Southwest’s internal channels by Stephen Keller and Patric Alva.

National Aviation Day was established in 1939 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and is observed in the United States on August 19 each year to celebrate the history and development of the aviation industry. August 19, 1871, was Orville Wright’s birthday who, together with his brother Wilbur, made significant contributions to powered flight.

FDR and the Wright brothers could never have foreseen the astounding advancement of aviation from the late 1800s/early 1900s to today. They also could never have anticipated the challenges the airline industry would be facing now in 2020—specifically the public health crisis and economic effects of COVID-19. But as we know, Southwest Airlines has never backed down from a challenge.

Over the last several months, and maybe more than ever, the Teamwork of our Southwest Warriors has been on full display. As we celebrate National Aviation Day this year, we thank YOU, our Customers and Employees in helping Southwest Airlines be what it is today. You keep us #SouthwestHeartStrong!