In 2004, I thoroughly enjoyed a tour (free, by the way) of Dayton, Ohio’s Air Force Museum with a couple of other pastors. The museum’s picturesque history of flight was fascinating and was brought back to mind today.
Today marks the 105th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ famous first flight (12/17/1903). Near Kitty Hawk, NC their “contraption” flew 859 feet in 59 seconds at a top speed of 31mph. The world has never been the same thanks to these two sons of a minister.
By 1905 the Wrights had “perfected” the technology such that the Wright Flyer 3 traveled 24 miles in 39 minutes. Confident they had a product to market, the Wrights kept their “toy” under the radar for fear of premature exploitation and imitation. They decided first to secure a patent and buyer before going public with their invention.
Having just invented the airplane, which would forever revolutionize how we view the world, what would they do with this technology? Who would be their first contact? The United States War Department! After the USWD declined their repeated overtures, the Wrights contacted France, German and Russia thinking some nation might have reason to use a flying machine, not for public beneficence, but for war! In 1909, the Wrights rolled out the first U.S. Military aircraft.
I cast no aspersions on the hearts of Wilbur and Orville Wright as I would’ve done the same thing. I only consider this another evidence of the depravity of man. We take what are unbelievable blessings of God and find a way to use them first for destruction and/or selfish gain. The first passenger on the Wright Flyer 1 was Adam.
Good words, as always, Barry (except for those final four picks a few years back). But I thought we were a “flight crew” that day!
That was a great day, bro (or should I say “Col. Strassner”). Perhaps we were more a “flighty crew.” Man, do I miss you guys!
As for your Final Four cheap shot: Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love you, brother.
Depravity of man IS the culprit. And how deep and widespread it is (every where on the earth and everywhere in history). Despite my years in the Air Force, and my almost charmed life here in central texas (two factors which should have left me blind to depravity), I find myself confronted with it almost every day, in one form or another. Thank you for the constant words of encouragement I keep hearing from you and your flock.
No, thank you, Rex, for your consistent encouragement. And despite what Texans may feel about their state, it’s no Eden!
Well, while I do like Texas, I was refering to the fact that disaster seems to have avoided me while I live here.
I am in agreement with you about Central Texas being no Eden. Especially, the environment is a bit rough and hard to get used to, but at least in the past, the government and the people seemed to be a bit more libertarian than where I am from. I think that is one of the main reasons I stayed.
But I fear I am drifting off of the topic 🙂