With the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first
powered flight now less than 260 days away, organizations
across the country are gearing up for commemorative events
and activities. The Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission
in Oklahoma City and Crown Agents Stamp Bureau of Surrey,
England, are the most recent organizations to sign formal
agreements with the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission,
making their commemorative programs a part of the national
“Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams — Inspired by Freedom”
celebration.

The Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission was created to
promote aviation activities throughout the state, establish
and promote educational activities relating to Oklahoma’s
aviation history, and celebrate a century of aviation. There
are a number of events planned in the state, including a
celebration of the 75th anniversary of Tulsa International
Airport, which includes a stop on the recreated National Air
Tour; Aerospace America, the largest
commercial/military/general aviation air show in the region;
and the construction of a mobile Oklahoma aviation history
exhibit by the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. Other events
include a commemorative Air Force-sponsored WWII hangar dance
expected to draw over 1,000 attendees and a December 17 gala
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight.

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Oklahoma City, will be
providing financial assistance for organizations
participating in the Centennial of Flight celebration, as
well as public relations support for the Oklahoma Centennial
of Flight Commission.

Crown Agents Stamp Bureau plans to create a collection of
official postage stamps featuring civilian and military
aircraft of the last 100 years. As a result of the agreement
signed with the Centennial of Flight Commission, the company,
which works with postal authorities throughout the world,
will use the Commission logo on the stamps. Crown Agents
Stamp Bureau will coordinate the design, production, sales
and marketing of the postage stamps on a worldwide basis.

“The Commission is always excited to bring new organizations
into the celebration,” said J.R. Dailey, chairman of the U.S.
Centennial of Flight Commission. “Oklahoma and Crown Stamp
Agents Bureau will help us increase exposure for the
commemoration in the United States and around the globe.”

The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission is coordinating a
national outreach campaign, “Centennial of Flight: Born of
Dreams — Inspired by Freedom,” to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight and
the century of accomplishments that followed. The Commission
also is advising the President, Congress and federal agencies
on the most effective ways to encourage and promote national
and international participation in commemoration. More
information, as well as a calendar of events, may be found
online at:
www.centennialofflight.gov

More information also is available from Julie Breissinger of
the Commission on (804) 675-8167.