Washington, D.C.
April 1, 2003

With the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight now just less than 260 days away, organizations across the country are gearing up for commemorative events and activities. The Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission and Crown Agents Stamp Bureau 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 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 http://www.centennialofflight.gov.

Contact:

Julie Breissinger
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
804.675.8167
jbreissinger@crtpr.com