There wasn’t much going on in June in the way of department or profession celebrations, so here’s a did-you-know national observance day with a Galveston connection—and also some upcoming fun observances that you might want to celebrate either at work or at home. If you do, take some photos and send them to mmbattis@utmb.edu.
July 17: National Wrong Way Corrigan Day
National Wrong Way Corrigan Day commemorates the transatlantic flight of an Irish American stunt pilot from Galveston! Douglas Corrigan (Jan. 22, 1907 – Dec. 9, 1995) gained notoriety for an unplanned transatlantic flight to Ireland on July 17, 1938.
Growing up as a boy, Corrigan’s fascination with flight was not uncommon. Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight may have been the most impressionable moment in his young life. In 1938, the young stunt pilot flew from his home in California to New York. Upon his arrival, he asked for permission to duplicate his hero’s historic flight. Unfortunately, the flight service quickly denied his request due to the age of his 1929 Curtiss Robin aircraft.
With only a magnetic compass, Corrigan advised officials he was returning to California. According to the story, after takeoff, cloud cover prevented Corrigan from accurate navigation. When Corrigan dropped below the clouds hours later, he saw nothing but water. Then Corrigan realized his navigation was off. Despite the confusion, he continued on his journey. Surprisingly, 28 hours later, he landed in Ireland.
Corrigan’s story of his flight never faltered. Despite accusations that he secretly planned this flight, Corrigan held fast to his original explanation.
The wayward pilot wrote about his misadventure in his memoir, "That’s My Story." While out of print, you can find a few copies for the right price. Corrigan also received a movie deal and soon played himself in "The Flying Irishman." During World War II, he tested bombers. After the war, the stunt man toured the country with other familiar war heroes in parades. As the notoriety died down, Corrigan settled into a quiet life with his wife and family. Occasionally fame would catch up to him again when Corrigan would run into a reporter who wanted to question the veracity of his story.
National Wrong Way Corrigan Day originates with the date Corrigan left New York in 1938. The first celebration took place in 1987 when Long Island commemorated the 49th anniversary of Corrigan’s flight. The city hosted a parade in honor of the 80-year-old pilot.
The celebration was given the name “Wrong Way Corrigan Day.”
In 1992, Corrigan’s hometown of Galveston also proclaimed Wrong Way Corrigan Day, choosing the date of Jan. 22 to celebrate the hometown hero’s birthday.
Upcoming
July 19: Global Hug Your Kids Day (Send in a photo of you and your littles—and not-so-littles—sharing a hug.)
July 20: World Jump Day (Get your kids and your colleagues jumping!)
July 21: National Junk Food Day (Need we say more?)
July 22: National Day of the Cowboy (So you’re not a real cowboy. So what?! Show us your western gear. Or your horse.)
July 23: Gorgeous Grandma Day and National Parents Day (Let’s see those grandmas and parents—even if it’s YOU!)
July 24: National Drive-Through Day (Send in a picture of you ordering at your fave drive-through window)
July 25: National Wine and Cheese Day, National Hot Fudge Sundae Day and National Merry-Go-Round Day (Lots of choose from!)
July 26: National Bagelfest Day and National Aunts & Uncles Day (Show us your nosh—or your kin!)
July 27: National Intern Day (Does your department have an intern you’d like to celebrate?)
July 28: National Talk in an Elevator Day (Group elevator selfies, anyone?)
July 29: National Lipstick Day (Show us your smoochers!)
July 30: National Day of Friendship and National Father-in-Law Day. (We want to see your besties! Or your father-in-law. How cool if it was one in the same!)
July 31: National Mutt Day (Show us those fur babies—you know you want to!)