Wright Brothers Day, 2023

Proclamation 10687 of December 15, 2023

Wright Brothers Day, 2023

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

One hundred twenty years ago on the sand dunes of Kitty
Hawk, North Carolina, two brothers forever changed the
course of history. Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved
one of the most transformative technological
advancements in the history of humankind: the first-
ever sustained, controlled, and powered flight. This
Wright Brothers Day, we honor Wilbur and Orville's
quintessentially American spirit of innovation and
ingenuity, and we celebrate their enduring legacy as
pioneers who took our Nation to new heights.

On December 17, 1903, after years of arduous research,
meticulous designs, and dangerous trials, Wilbur and
Orville launched the Wright Flyer. Twelve seconds and
120 feet later, the brothers had achieved controlled
flight. Their feat propelled our Nation forward,
accelerating advancements in aeronautics and bringing
us closer to unlocking the full potential of humanity.
Through their determination and bold vision, the Wright
Brothers laid the foundations for some of the greatest
technological developments on record--from breaking the
sound barrier and stepping foot on the moon to flying a
helicopter on Mars and launching deep-space telescopes
that are answering some of the fundamental questions of
the universe. The legacy of the Wright brothers lives
on through the talents and spirits of today's American
dreamers and doers.

Most of all, Wilbur and Orville's advancement led to a
new American innovation: modern air travel. My
Administration is committed to preserving and investing
in this legacy by enhancing safety and comfort from
takeoff to landing. Through the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law, we are improving airport
infrastructure across the country--expanding capacity
at airport terminals, increasing energy efficiency, and
making air travel more accessible for people with
disabilities--all while creating good jobs across our
Nation.

I have often said that America can be defined in one
word: possibilities. This Wright Brothers Day, let us
recognize these two courageous brothers from Dayton,
Ohio, for reminding us what we can accomplish when we
work together to reach our loftiest dreams and tackle
our greatest challenges. May we recommit to carrying
forward their bold spirit of creativity and cooperation
as we forge a better future for all.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December
17, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143), 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, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim
December 17, 2023, as Wright Brothers Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
eighth.