Wrong Way Day

Don't Get Lost

I sure hope I am writing this the right way, but chances are I’m not considering today’s zany holiday is Wrong Way Day. Today’s outrageous holiday isn’t really about doing things the wrong way, but rather about an American pilot who “accidentally” flew in the wrong direction and landing at a destination where he wasn’t supposed to arrive, but had always wanted to visit!

Douglas “Wrong-Way” Corrigan flew for the first time at age 18. The flight changed his life, influencing his decision to take flying lessons and construct planes (he helped in the construction of the Spirit of St. Louis). Corrigan purchased his first plane in 1933, and inspired by Charles Lindberg decided he wanted to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. More specifically, Corrigan wanted to be the first person to fly from New York to Dublin (Corrigan was Irish American). The government, however, wasn’t as keen on the idea and refused to give Corrigan the ok to go, eventually revoking his pilot’s license. In 1938, Corrigan again had a license and a desire to fly from LA to New York. If he successfully flew non-stop, he would be able to fly non-stop back to LA from New York. Corrigan made it to New York and was all set to head back. On July 16^th his plane, complete with a gas tank leak, took off. However, he wasn’t head west like he was supposed to. Instead his plane took off in an easterly direction; 28 hours he landed in Dublin, Ireland.

Corrigan faced questions regarding how he ended up in Dublin as opposed to Las Angeles, all he could say is that he had gone the wrong way, on account of the foggy weather. Corrigan, and his plane Sunshine, returned to America a hero. Corrigan lived until 1995, and up until the last years of his life claimed his actions were accidental before finally admitting he had always intended to fly to Dublin.

Wrong Way Corrigan never gave up on his goal to be the first person to fly from New York to Dublin, and he achieved his goal. Today’s whacky holiday is about perseverance and following your dreams. Whether your dreams are artistic, academic, athletic, big or small make sure to follow through, even though there might be consequences, because in the long run you’ll be happier.