"Eyewitness"

Prompt: Over the past century, important events have taken place which have shaped the world we know today. Imagine that you were present when one of these events took place.

Write an eyewitness account (350-450 words) which will become part of your family history. You can write about a historical event from the English-speaking world.

Your account must include the following points:

• What the event was, where it took place and who was involved.

• A description of what happened during and after the event.

• How you felt about witnessing the event.

• Who you met and how that meeting affected your reaction to the event.

Chosen: North Carolina, USA, December 13, 1903 - First powered flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Dec. 13th, 1903.

The Wright brothers have finally done it! Orville and Wilbur! They flew! 

Right here in the USA, more specifically North Carolina, we are proud to have the record of the very first powered flight. 

The plane was only in the air for 4 seconds, but what marvelous 4 seconds they were! I saw it with my own two eyes! 

The Wright brothers have been working on their plane ideas for years and have been experimenting with different kinds of gliders beforehand. 

Back in 1900, they wrote the US Weather Bureau, asking for a good place to test gliders, and together finally decided on Kitty Hawk. It was a good place to test gliders because of its steady wind, and the sand dunes, that would make landings softer.

After testing several gliders, they decided for a powered flight. They designed a 12-horsepower engine with my assistance (Charles Taylor), along with a new aircraft to go with the engine.

The plane was disassembled, brought to Kitty Hawk, and reassembled. 

I met up with Orville and Wilbur this morning and helped set up everything. We were all hoping for the best possible outcome; a powered flight.

The plane took off with Orville piloting, while Wilbur and I (a friend) watched as the plane lifted from the ground. As I said, it was unfortunately only in the air for a short amount of time, before the engine stalled and the plane was damaged. Actually, the engine stalled at take-off, but somehow managed to keep the plane and Orville in the air enough time to count as flight. The brothers are working on fixing up the plane, ready for the next possible test run.

I was the only audience besides Wilbur, but the Wright brothers were talking about bringing more people (well, witnesses) to the next test flight, hoping it turns out better than the flight today. 

I heard in the news that german Gustav Weisskopf had been working on a powered flying machine as well. Rumor goes that he actually beat the Wright brothers, but I wouldn’t reckon so.

Man has always wanted to fly. Now this wish has come true! It was amazing to witness such an event! 

I wish to fly too one day…

-Charles Taylor