WASHINGTON (nasa) – 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:
