Today, we begin a celebration that marks a century of extraordinary accomplishment in powered flight. As we celebrate a century of achievement, all of us at the FAA are working to chart the next century of flight …with improved safety … more capacity … and greater efficiency than ever before.  This is the mission of the nearly 50,000 dedicated professionals across the FAA workforce — and they make it all possible.

But, today, we celebrate the qualities of human spirit that made the first flight, and the billions of flights following, a reality. We celebrate the pioneers, visionaries, and adventurers that dreamed about the possibility and created reality.

For the next year we will honor the accomplishments of the many men and women who were … and still are … key members of the aviation community. From dreamer to scientist, from aviator to astronaut, we will share these inspirational stories of accomplishment with the world.

Here to represent the qualities of the human spirit they embody is a group of special people, whom we asked to join us today … they symbolize the countless men and women who have brought us this far … and promise to take us so much farther.

To help us recognize these aviation pioneers and the men and women they represent, I would like to ask another American hero … Don Lopez, former fighter pilot and ace, and current Deputy Director of the National Air and Space Museum … to join me along with the fifth grade honor students from Parkview and Sligo Elementary Schools in Washington, DC.

Charles Lindbergh once asked, “What kind of man would live where there is no daring?” And, it was Charles Lindbergh who proved to the world that in a world of daring, anything is possible.  He and many other pilots faced extreme risk as they opened our eyes to the opportunities of aviation. Lindbergh proved that we could bridge the ocean, and thus the world.

Representing the many courageous men and women who set out to prove to the world that there is no such word as impossible is aviation’s “Lone Eagle”, Charles Lindbergh, represented today by his grandson, Erik Lindbergh.

The events of 1903 marked the beginning of a new age of transportation for the world. It was in the 1920’s that Henry Ford helped bring aviation to the public by developing early passenger transport aircraft, such as the Ford Tri-motor.  Along with compatriots, like Glenn Curtiss and William Boeing, Henry Ford pioneered the successful adaptation of the basic concept of the airplane. He brought aviation and its benefits within the reach of the average citizen.

Representing those early thought leaders who saw flight as a viable means of transportation and were key to its success, is Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, represented today by his great grandson Edsel B. Ford the Second.

From the day Amelia Earhart became impassioned with flight she sought to prove that the sky was not the limit … but the beginning. Her accomplishments not only opened the eyes of the world to the possibilities of flight, but to the capabilities of women as well. For her and other early flight pioneers, it took a strong sense of adventure and determination to accept risk in the face of uncertainty.

Representing those who realize the beauty and sense of adventure that flight offers, and choose to share it with the world, is aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, represented today by her niece Amy Kleppner. 

The Ninety-Nines is an organization founded in 1929 by 99 licensed women pilots for the mutual support and advancement of aviation. Amelia Earhart was a founder and the first president. Today, eight of the founders are still living. All members are dedicated to promoting world fellowship through flight, providing opportunities for women, and preserving the unique history of women in aviation.

Representing the spirit of camaraderie and the immense joy that flight can bring — as well as the heritage of women in aviation — is the president of the Ninety-Nines, Jody McCarrell.

The Tuskegee Airmen volunteered to become America's first African-American military airmen.  During World War Two, they never lost a bomber they escorted into battle — a feat unmatched in their time.

In accepting the challenge, each one displayed skill and determination while enduring the doubt and prejudice of many of their fellow soldiers. Their drive to earn the respect of their critics, much like the Wright Brothers, was an early force in creating historic social change within the armed forces and throughout America.

Representing the Tuskegee Airmen for their determination to fight for freedom is Colonel Charles McGee, member of the three-hundred-and-second fighter squadron.

On February 20th, 1962, the world waited in anticipation as a human orbited the earth for the first time, extending our freedoms into uncharted territory. Thirty-six years later, John Glenn proved that such freedom was not bound by age. Astronaut Glenn had also been a distinguished pilot in the Marine Corps, fighting for the inherent right of freedom for all mankind. The efforts of astronauts and military pilots have and will continue to extend the reaches of freedom for the entire world.

Representing the thousands of pilots around the world who seek to provide freedom in all of its forms is Senator John Glenn.

Thousands of hours of research, experimentation, and trial led to the eventual success of the Wright Brothers’ first flight. Like those before and after them, the Wright Brothers knew that achieving their dream would require hard work and a commitment to the scientific process. For almost 100 years, we have capitalized on the benefits of flight to seek a better understanding of the world around us. And, for almost 100 years we have counted on the persistence of researchers and scientists to provide the knowledge necessary for us to do so.

Representing researchers and scientists who view knowledge as the most successful road to advancement is NASA chief scientist Dr. Shannon Lucid.

Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities, because it is the quality which guarantees all others.” Indeed, the accomplishment of flight, to serve and protect, has come only from great courage shown by people willing to push aviation to its extreme. Brigadier General David Lee “Tex” Hill, who stands among America’s top fighter aces, represents the astonishing bravery that, to fighter pilots, simply “goes with the territory.” 

As a member of the renowned Flying Tigers, and more broadly our armed services, General Hill represents the courage that has guaranteed enduring liberty in our nation.

Representing the courageous men and women who serve as pilots in the armed forces is Brigadier General David Lee “Tex” Hill.

The quest to discover uncharted territory drives innovation. Like the countless pioneers before them, our pioneers of space exploration set foot on lands that had never before been touched by humans. From our first entry into outer space and our presence on the moon, to our future efforts to set foot on mars and beyond, the spirit of discovery propels the hearts of astronauts to take those strides for all of us.

Representing those pioneers of air and space who strive to discover new worlds is Dr. Neil Armstrong.

From the inception of the Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company in 1909, to the institution of NASA, the aerospace industry provides us with remarkable moments of innovation and products of invention.

The vision of the aerospace industry reaches far and wide, providing expertise in everything from research … to defense and exploration … to efficiency. It is a business full of heroes unknown to the common citizen, but one that deserves tremendous recognition for its contributions to modern society.

Representing those organizations that create a vision for our future in air and space is Dr. Vance Coffman, CEO and Chairman of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

It has been said that a hero is best defined as a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.  And while the act of courage takes on many forms, it is the hero who stands as an example and inspiration for our youth as they mature into active members of society. Without question, flight is represented by countless heroes who have stirred greatness in others.

Representing those pioneers of flight whose driving force includes a strong desire to inspire our youth is NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force Colonel Pamela Melroy.

It was a dream that had been waiting to be realized for thousands of years, and chased by countless visionaries, scholars and brave souls. But even as the mass of collected knowledge came to a crucial turning point, it was not until the ingenuity of the Wright Brothers that the puzzle of powered flight was solved.

Discovery requires deep understanding, constant interpretation of knowledge and unbridled persistence. And, it’s when these qualities come together that defining moments … true achievements  … occur. The Wright Brothers are among a league of heroes that inspired the world to follow their dreams with passion, courage, and resolve.  

Representing those unique individuals whose achievements are born from dreams and inspired by a quest for freedom are Orville and Wilbur Wright, represented today by their great grand-niece, Amanda Wright Lane. 

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in applauding these pioneers of flight and the countless people they represent.