[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7635]

Proc. 7635

Proclamation 7635 of December 16, 2002

Wright Brothers Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America



          Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have contributed to 
          important technological breakthroughs that have improved the 
          quality of life for countless individuals. On December 17, 
          1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur 
          Wright achieved the first successfully sustained and 
          controlled flight with a heavier-than-air, engine-powered 
          aircraft. In the 99 years since that revolutionary event, 
          mankind has flown across oceans, broken the sound barrier, 
          launched satellites, and landed on the moon. On Wright 
          Brothers Day, we celebrate the vision and determination of 
          these innovators whose remarkable achievements changed the 
          world forever.
          The first successful powered flight on the morning of December 
          17, 1903, lasted only 12 seconds and spanned approximately 120 
          feet; but the Wright brothers' ideas and design led to 
          countless advances in aviation. Between 1899 and 1905, they 
          constructed a total of seven aircraft, and through this 
          extensive research and experimentation, Orville and Wilbur 
          Wright established the foundation of modern aeronautics.
          The airplane has played a critical role in improving our 
          national defense, our economy, and our Nation. It has enabled 
          trade to thrive, strengthened our economic security, and 
          fostered friendship and goodwill throughout the world. Today, 
          Americans rely on airplanes to deliver emergency treatment to 
          the sick or injured, bring families together, and link us to 
          every corner of the globe.
          The United States remains committed to supporting progress in 
          technology that secures air travel, enhances our national 
          defense, and ensures the suc

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          cess and prosperity of our country. Inspired by the 
          extraordinary accomplishments of the Wright brothers, our 
          Nation will continue to explore new ideas, improve technology, 
          and work for a brighter future for all.
          The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 17, 1963 
          (77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143) as amended, has designated 
          December 17 of each year as ``Wright Brothers Day'' and has 
          authorized and requested the President to issue annually a 
          proclamation inviting the people of the United States to 
          observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2002, as 
          Wright Brothers Day. Through their courage and willingness to 
          take risks, the Wright brothers reflect the true American 
          character.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth 
          day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and 
          of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
          hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH