Sarah Keegan
Headquarters, Washington                Dec. 21, 2001
(Phone: 202/358-1902)

RELEASE: 01-249

CENTENNIAL OF FLIGHT COMMISSION 
UNVEILS NATIONAL PLAN FOR 2003 CELEBRATION

     The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission (COFC) this week 
issued its national plan for the 100th anniversary of the 
Wright brothers' first flight. As momentum builds for the 2003 
celebration, organizers are working on festivities from coast 
to coast under the campaign theme "Born of Dreams -- Inspired 
by Freedom."

"We believe these six words capture the spirit of the Wright 
brothers' drive and determination to conquer powered flight," 
said Sherry Foster, executive director, U.S. Centennial of 
Flight Commission. "The Wright brothers' discovery continues 
to change the world we live in.  This celebration will pay 
tribute to their accomplishments and those who have pioneered 
flight for the past 100 years." 

Numerous federal, state and private organizations are involved 
in the effort. Activities and events planned for the year-long 
celebration include plane races, cross-country Wright Flyer 
tours, blimp events, international symposiums, special art 
displays, attempts at aviation world records, gas balloon 
races, an international aviation world's fair and special 
museum exhibits, as well as events by the U.S. Air Force, IMAX 
Films, NASA and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. 
The festivities will culminate on the Outer Banks of North 
Carolina on Dec.17, 2003, with an authentic recreation of the 
Wright brothers' first flight on the sand dunes near Kitty 
Hawk.

"The Centennial celebration will offer activities for 
Americans of all ages," said Commission Chairman General J.R. 
("Jack") Dailey. "We want people all over this country to 
rekindle their fascination with flight and to look upon this 
Centennial as a celebration of our freedom to reach for our 
dreams."

The Commission is working on plans for a kick-off event in 
Washington on Dec. 17, 2002. A complete listing of all 
Centennial activities and more information on the Commission 
can be found at:
www.centennialofflight.gov

More information also is available from Christian Markow, 
COFC, at 804/675-8153.