[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 50 (Monday, December 22, 2008)]
[Page 1542]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8329--Wright Brothers Day, 2008

 December 16, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our history is rich with pioneers and innovators who used their God-
given talents to improve our Nation and the world. On Wright Brothers 
Day, we commemorate two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, who took 
great risks and ushered in a new era of travel and discovery.
    With intrepid spirits and a passion for innovation, Orville and 
Wilbur Wright became the first to experience the thrill of manned, 
powered flight. On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright flew for 12 seconds 
over the North Carolina sand dunes in the presence of only five people. 
In the span of one lifetime, our Nation has seen aviation progress from 
the first tentative takeoff at Kitty Hawk to an age of supersonic flight 
and space exploration.
    On this Wright Brothers Day, we recognize all those who have taken 
great risks and contributed to our country's legacy of exploration and 
discovery. This year, we also celebrate the centennial of the world's 
first passenger flight. By remaining dedicated to extending the 
frontiers of knowledge, we can ensure that the United States will 
continue to lead the world in science, innovation, and technology, and 
build a better future for generations to come.
    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, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2008, as Wright Brothers 
Day.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 18, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on December 17, and it was published in the Federal Register 
on December 19.