Wright Brothers Day, 2004

Proclamation 7856 of December 17, 2004

Wright Brothers Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Wright Brothers Day, we honor the achievement and
imagination of Orville and Wilbur Wright, two bicycle
mechanics from Dayton, Ohio, who changed the world with
their optimism, creativity, and persistence. On this
day, we recall a monumental event in the history of our
Nation and in the story of mankind.

On a cold December morning in 1903 on the Outer Banks
of North Carolina, a small wood and canvas aircraft
sent America on a journey far beyond the sands of Kitty
Hawk. The flight spanned 120 feet and lasted just 12
seconds, yet it ushered in a new era of unimaginable
advances in aviation and aerospace technology. Today,
air travel is vital to our country, helping bring
people together and sustain our security. In addition,
the aviation industry strengthens our economy by
supporting millions of jobs.

The spirit that led the Wright Brothers to powered
flight continues today in America's space program. From
providing surveys of the sun to images of the planets,
our spacecraft are exploring the outer edges of our
solar system and revolutionizing our view of the
universe. Under my Vision for Space Exploration
Program, we will proudly carry on the Wright Brothers'
tradition of innovation. As we embark on the next
century of flight, that spirit of discovery will help
our Nation and the world realize the full promise of
tomorrow.

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, 2004, as Wright Brothers Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of December, in the year of our Lord
two thousand four, and of the

Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B