Media Advisory

Secretary Norton to kick Off Centennial Year of
Flight Celebration in Dayton, Dec. 17

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton will deliver the keynote address at the dedication of the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 17, 2002. The dedication of the new center coincides with the 99^th celebration of the Wright brother's first flight. The center will be managed in partnership by the U.S. Air Force and the Interior Department's National Park Service.

"I am honored to be a part of the commemoration of this remarkable benchmark in our nation's aviation history," Norton said. "By interpreting this rich history and preserving the important impact it had on our nation's transportation, future generations can fully appreciate the genius of the Wright brothers and their role in American aviation."

Today's activities are the first in a series of programs and events planned across the nation for the year-long commemoration of America's centennial year of flight.

Who: Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the Interior
Fran Mainella, Director - National Park Service
Robert Taft, Governor of Ohio
Rep. David L. Hobson, Representative from Ohio
Lt. Gen. Richard V. Reynolds, U. S. Air Force, Commander
Judge Walter H. Rice, Chairman - Dayton Aviation Heritage Commission
Stephen Wright, Great Grandnephew, Orville and Wilbur Wright

What: Dedication of Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center
Wreath-laying ceremony at Wright Memorial on 99^th anniversary of the first flight

When: Tuesday, Dec.17, 2002
9:30 a.m.- Dedication
10:35 a.m.- Wright Memorial Wreath-laying and flyover
10:50 a.m. - Media invited to tour center with Secretary Norton

Where: Wright Brothers Hill
Location: Area B - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Dayton, Ohio

Note to Editors: Media covering the event should call Susan Murphy, Aeronautical Systems Center Office of Public Affairs, (937) 255-1840 or (937) 255-2725 no later than Monday, 2 p.m. with the names of all media attending. We will meet in the parking lot across from Gate 1B on Springfield Street at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 17). A van will be available and carpooling is encouraged. A mult box will be available, however media should bring a minimum of 200 feet of cable. All equipment and vehicles entering the base will be searched at 8:15 a.m.

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