At a time in our nation’s history when it seems possible the word “United” could be removed from the name of the country, it helps to look back at a time and series of events that did appear to give the nation a focal point. That spot was located in the middle of the Jersey Pines, and even today it can inspire awe.

As the summer of 1923 began, the U.S. and Germany were engaged in a race to build the world’s largest flying machine, a lighter than air monster called a dirigible.