The Wright brothers’ quest to fly was born of a dream to
achieve the impossible and inspired by the freedom flight
would bring. On Dec. 17, 2002, the 99th anniversary of the
Wright brothers’ first powered flight, NASA and the U.S.
Centennial of Flight Commission will mark the start of the
yearlong “Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams — Inspired by
Freedom” celebration to honor their achievement, and the
century of flight-related milestones that followed. The
tribute will be at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space
Museum (NASM) in Washington.
NASA joins the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and other
partner organizations for the kick-off event. NASA
Administrator Sean O’Keefe will speak at the program, and
several astronauts will participate. As an official partner
of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, NASA plans
celebratory activities during 2003 to commemorate the Wright
brothers’ first powered flight on the sands of Kitty Hawk,
N.C., and to increase awareness about flight-related
achievements.
Other scheduled speakers and participants at the event
include Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James Roche, Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard Myers, FAA
Administrator Marion Blakey and U.S. Centennial of Flight
Commission Chairman, NASM Director J.R. “Jack” Dailey.
President George W. Bush has been invited to attend to
formally sign a Presidential proclamation and present it to a
member of the Wright family.
“The remarkable events of Dec. 17, 1903, changed our world
forever,” said Administrator O’Keefe. “We at NASA pay tribute
to those accomplishments. As we chart the future course for
NASA through our new Integrated Space Transportation Plan, we
hold dear the legacy of the great aerospace pioneers, as we
pursue our vision for the future –to improve life here on
Earth, to extend life into space, and to find life beyond the
known universe,” he said.
The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission was created by
Congress to expand national and international interest in the
commemoration of the centennial of powered flight. The
Commission is coordinating a national outreach campaign and
advising the President, Congress and federal agencies on the
most effective ways to encourage and promote national and
international participation during 2003. More information
about the Commission is on the U.S. Centennial of Flight
Commission Web site at:
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/
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