Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 6.djvu/391

 PROCLAMATION 7387—DEC. 14, 2000 114 STAT. 3447 flight, Charles Lindbergh conquered the Atlantic Ocean flying nonstop aboard The Spirit of St. Louis; in less than 50 years, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier; and in less than 70 years, the United States reached the heavens and landed two men on the Moon. Today, we continue to explore the frontiers of space as the International Space Station orbits the Earth. The creative vision, ingenuity, and indomitable spirit that sparked the Wright Brothers' achievement still power our Nation's aviation accomplishments today. Air travel is a vital part of life in America, and people across the country depend on our air transportation system to link them with one another and to sustain our growing economy. Last year alone, U.S. airlines safely transported almost 700 million passengers on 13 million flights. The gift of flight has immeasurably strengthened our Nation and enriched the lives of people aroimd the world. It is only fitting that we should remember on December 17 the two visionary Americans whose scientific curiosity, independent thinking, and technical genius began a new era that has taken us to the threshold of space and beyond. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 17, 1963 [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 aimually a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. NOW. THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2000, as Wright Brothers Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON

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