"Born of Dreams - Inspired by Freedom"

National Celebration of Flight Prepares for Take-off

Washington, D.C.
November 14, 2002

The Wright brothers' quest to fly was born of a dream to achieve the impossible and inspired by the freedom that flight would bring. On Dec. 17, 2002, the 99th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight, 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.

Scheduled speakers and participants at the kick-off event include Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, and U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Chairman and National Air and Space Museum Director J.R. "Jack" Dailey. President George Bush has been invited to attend to formally sign the Presidential proclamation and present it to a member of the Wright family.

The tribute, which will be held at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, will include a Presidential proclamation and the recognition of numerous aviation and aerospace pioneers.

"Through the national kick-off, we hope to set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year of events and activities across the country," Dailey said. "Our Partners and Patrons, as well as people and organizations throughout the country and the world, have been working tirelessly to plan for what will be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in 2003."

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 in 2003. More information about the Commission can be found on the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission Web site at http://www.centennialofflight.gov/.

Contact:

Christian Markow
U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission
804.675.8153