Wright-Patterson honors 121st anniversary of first powered flight

  • Published
  • By Lisa M. Riley
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

A ceremony honoring the 121st anniversary of the first powered flight is scheduled at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Wright Brothers Memorial, located on Wright Memorial Hill near Area B. The event is free and open to the public. 

88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, Col. Dustin Richards, will host the ceremony and provide opening remarks.  

Air Force Material Command deputy commander, Lt. Gen. Linda S. Hurry, will serve as the keynote speaker. As deputy commander, Lt. Gen. Hurry is responsible for the evolution of aerospace systems from conceptual phase through production and introduction into the operating inventory. 

Kendell Thompson, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park superintendent, will present a presidential proclamation before the wreath-laying ceremony with members of the Wright family.  

This annual ceremony was created in 1978 for the 75th anniversary of the first flight. Since that time the 88th Air Base Wing has maintained the Wright Brothers Memorial and park, commemorating Dayton inventors Wilbur and Orville Wright and their contributions to powered flight. This memorial is now part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park. 

News media are invited to cover this event but are asked to RSVP by emailing 88abw.pa.media@us.af.mil by 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Media should arrive at the Wright Brothers Memorial no later than 9:45 a.m. Dec. 17.