News Release - Congressional Resolution Honors Fayetteville, Festival of Flight

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

May 16, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Congressional Resolution Honors Fayetteville, Festival of Flight

Senate Passes Resolution on Eve of Opening Ceremonies

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. John Edwards last night shepherded through the U.S. Senate H.Con. Res. 58, a resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) honoring the City of Fayetteville for its 11-day celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight. Fayetteville's Festival of Flight will bring together from around the world to celebrate the history of flight that began in 1903 with the Wright Brothers' historic flight. The congressional resolution, which was co-sponsored by all the members of the North Carolina congressional delegation, passed unanimously in the Senate last night. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution March 31st on a 393-0 vote.

"As North Carolina eagerly awaits the opening ceremonies of the Festival of Flight tonight, I am proud that my colleagues from around the country joined with me to pay tribute to Fayetteville and the history of flight," Etheridge said. "One hundred years ago, two brothers took a chance, believed in a dream and made history. In just 12 seconds, the world was changed forever. Man took to the skies, and the world became smaller; the boundaries were pushed outward; and the impossible became possible. It is our hope that the Festival of Flight will touch the children of this generation, inspiring them to reach for the heavens."

"In the 100 years following the first flight at Kitty Hawk, that triumphant moment has come to symbolize human ingenuity, American courage, and the best of North Carolina," Edwards said. "I commend Congressman Etheridge and my Senate colleagues for recognizing Fayetteville's critical role in honoring the Wright Brothers."

The opening ceremonies for Fayetteville's Festival of Flight begin tonight at 7 p.m. For a complete listing of events, visit www.festivalofflight.org.

Fayetteville's Festival of Flight is one of only four events nationwide endorsed as a full partner by the United States Centennial of Flight Commission. It will be the largest public centennial event in North Carolina featuring a weekend arts festival, a two-day military air show at Pope AFB, a general aviation air show at Grannis Field and a seven-day exposition with aviation displays and interactive exhibits, all of which will culminate with a spectacular Memorial Day celebration. A year-long educational curriculum has also been developed to compel students' interest in aviation and flight technology. This educational focus will culminate with 1,000 students being sponsored each day for exclusive access to the Festival's Aviation Exposition.