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REMARKS
FOR
THE HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
CENTURY
OF FLIGHT KICKOFF
WASHINGTON, D.C.
JULY 15, 2003
Thank
you, Administrator Blakey, for that kind introduction.
And
thank you all for coming out here on this beautiful day to help us kick-off our
Centennial of Flight celebration.
All
of us share a certain pride when a positive spotlight is placed on aviation.
Whether
it has been as mayor, congressman, or secretary, I have always held a passion
for aviation. The freedom and
mobility it brings...the economic growth it fuels...and the power to shrink our
world and pull people together.
These
are the reasons I've devoted most of my public service to build and advance a
safe, vibrant transportation system - especially in aviation.
It
is the dream and achievement of the Wright Brothers that we recognize.
But, it is the profound impact that aviation has had on our lives, our
country, and our world that we celebrate.
Indeed,
aviation has such a rich, colorful history...and we've helped write it.
For 77 years, the public has depended on us - and our many colleagues who
have gone before us - to bring safety and order to America's skies.
That
is why it is important to get our story out - to let people know what we have
done...what we are doing...and how we plan to make aviation more safe,
efficient, and accessible.
Our
participation in several Centennial of Flight venues will help Americans
understand the role we play in aviation's rich legacy.
When
the public buckles their seat belts and stow their tray tables - we want them to
know their safety is in our strong and capable hands, and our eyes are on the
future.
With
N-34 and the Rockefeller Center exhibit, we have two compelling vehicles to draw
people to our story of the wonder and technology of flight.
The
work of the inspectors, the controllers, the technicians, the engineers...or
anyone who holds a DOT-FAA badge has a hand in maintaining the world's safest
most complex aviation system.
You
know, it also feels good to see a decision made nine years ago turn out all
right. Working with former
Administrators Hinson and Engen, I'm glad we decided to preserve N34 and a
little bit of our history.
She's
a special plane, and it's good to see her fly again during this special time,
and make a little bit more history.
I
can't wait to take a look inside the plane and exhibit, and I know you can't
either. So with that, let us
officially kick-off our Centennial recognition.
Thank
you for all the hard work you do to keep our skies safe and may God bless the
United States.
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