U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission |
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Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act |
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Introduction, Executive Summary and Recommendations
The Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act, Public Law 105-389,
established the Centennial of Flight Commission to assist in the
commemoration of the centennial of powered flight and the achievements
of the Wright brothers. Further legislation was required, however, to
address several Constitutional and ethical issues with the Act.
On October 6, 1999, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 106-68, amending
the Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act. The Commission was modified
to become a Federal advisory committee subject to the provisions of
Public Law 42-463, the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), acting as the
Federal agency responsible for FACA compliance of the Commission,
chartered the Commission on November 22, 1999.
During the subsequent ten months, the Commission took major strides
toward carrying out its Congressional mandate to provide advice and
recommendations to the President, Congress, and Federal agencies on the
most effective ways to commemorate the centennial, and to carry out its
operational functions. During its quarterly public meetings (see
Appendix A), the Commission has:
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This Annual Report addresses each of these accomplishments in more
detail. The Commission feels it is premature to make any
recommendations regarding the issuance of commemorative coins, medals,
and stamps by the U.S. In addition, as required by statute, the Report
includes an accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission
during the current fiscal year. The Report concludes with an overview
of major Commission priorities and activities currently planned for FY
2001. The Commission's legislation also requires the Commission to address in each Annual Report "...recommendations for any legislation or administrative action that the Commission determines to be appropriate regarding the commemoration of the centennial of powered flight..." In this regard, the Commission would like to highlight the importance to the centennial celebration of key venues operating under the auspices of the National Park Service, namely the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. These two sites encompass a major part of the story of the birth and development of aviation in the United States and play a critical role in educating the public about the impact of a century of flight. The Commission strongly recommends that the Nation ensure that these important sites are ready to receive, and meet the high expectations of, the large numbers of visitors that are expected in conjunction with the centennial celebration. Continued organizational and financial support will be needed to help ensure planned developments are completed so the sites are operational in time for the events planned for 2003. |