Ronald Reagan

“ On Wright Brothers Day we recall and revere not only the ability and the inventiveness of Wilbur and Orville Wright but also the unshakable conviction that led them into the skies and into history's pantheon of explorers, discoverers, and benefactors of mankind. ”

“ This year more than 450 million American passengers will use aircraft, the world's fastest and safest transportation. In the 84 years since the Wright Brothers' first flight, American aviation, in cooperation with the Federal government, has continued to improve the safety and the efficiency of air travel. Thanks to both industry and the Federal Aviation Administration, this effort goes on today. ”

“ By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On December 17, 1903, on the beaches of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Wilbur and Orville Wright ushered in the age of modern aviation with an accomplishment unprecedented in history-a manned flight in a powered, winged aircraft. Aviation has progressed much since that all-important first step; man has not only spanned the globe with air travel but has also reached into space, and Americans have set foot on the moon. ”