[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 51 (Monday, December 20, 2004)]
[Page 2987]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7856--Wright Brothers Day, 2004

 December 17, 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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 21, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
December 22.