THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 29, 1996 TAG: 9610290004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 31 lines
I am a Dayton, Ohio, native currently living in the area due to military duty. I was particularly struck by the recent article concerning Ohio's decision to use ``Birthplace of Aviation'' on its license plates, and the negative reaction by North Carolinians.
I can assure you that long before 1982, when ``First in Flight'' appeared on North Carolina's tags, Ohioans have claimed the Wright Brothers and their historic accomplishments as part of our heritage. Every kid in Ohio is taught that the birthplace of aviation is Dayton, not North Carolina. We know that Kitty Hawk was the place of the event, but our native sons developed all of the aerodynamic and scientific information ``at home.'' In other words, our team played a game on North Carolina's field.
Ohio has a very rich aviation history: the Wright Brothers, Eddie Rickenbacker, Neil Armstrong and John Glenn to name but a few. We believe that the only stealing of heritage was done by North Carolina and its claim, 79 years after the fact, both to our hometown heroes and our rightful place as the birthplace of aviation.
North Carolina, like Ohio, is a beautiful state. It has rich traditions and history. I'm sure the state can find something of its own to put on vehicle tags. Perhaps a cigarette for all of the tobacco produced, but please, N.C., do not claim that for which you did not work.
TIM SLENTZ
Chesapeake, Oct. 18, 1996 by CNB