The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and the U.S. Air Force have
signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly publicize the celebration
of the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight in 2003. The Air
Force has become an official partner in the Centennial celebration.

As a result of this agreement, the Commission will provide national
outreach support for the Centennial events being planned by the Air
Force Centennial of Flight Office. In turn, the Air Force will help
promote the Commission’s national campaign, “Centennial of Flight: Born
of Dreams — Inspired by Freedom.”

The Air Force will host and support a number of events to celebrate the
centennial of powered flight and accomplishments in aviation throughout
the past 100 years. Plans are currently underway for a Global Air
Chiefs Conference, which will bring air chiefs throughout the world to
Washington, to discuss the future of aviation in military operations
and to honor the great aviation leaders of the past. Other Centennial
events being planned by the Air Force include a history symposium and
an aviation art exhibit.

“The Air Force looks forward to joining the rest of the aviation
community in 2003 as we commemorate the spirit of innovation that led
to the first powered flight,” Lt. Col. James Shepherd of the U.S. Air
Force Centennial of Flight Office said. “We have celebrated the Wright
brothers and other aviation pioneers through our daily operations and
service to America for over 50 years. We are honored to support the
Centennial celebration, the innovations of the past 100 years and
future achievements in aviation.”

The U.S. Air Force Centennial of Flight Office was established by the
Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force to research, plan and coordinate
the Air Force’s participation in the national celebration being
coordinated by the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. The Commission
was created by Congress to coordinate the celebration of the 100th
anniversary of powered flight, and will promote activities, such as
those being planned by the Air Force, through a national awareness
campaign, “Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams — Inspired by
Freedom.”

More information on the Centennial of Flight Commission is available
at:
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/

Additional information on the Air Force Centennial of Flight Office can
be found at:
http://www.centennialofflight.af.mil/

More information also is available from Christian Markow of the
Centennial of Flight Commission at 804/675-8153.