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Sarah Keegan
Headquarters, Washington               April 2, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1902)

RELEASE: 03-129

U.S. CENTENNIAL OF FLIGHT COMMISSION ANNOUNCES TWO NEW 
ALLIANCES

     With the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first 
powered flight now less than 260 days away, organizations 
across the country are gearing up for commemorative events 
and activities. The Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission 
in Oklahoma City and Crown Agents Stamp Bureau of Surrey, 
England, are the most recent organizations to sign formal 
agreements with the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, 
making their commemorative programs a part of the national 
"Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams -- Inspired by Freedom" 
celebration.

The Oklahoma Centennial of Flight Commission was created to 
promote aviation activities throughout the state, establish 
and promote educational activities relating to Oklahoma's 
aviation history, and celebrate a century of aviation. There 
are a number of events planned in the state, including a 
celebration of the 75th anniversary of Tulsa International 
Airport, which includes a stop on the recreated National Air 
Tour; Aerospace America, the largest 
commercial/military/general aviation air show in the region; 
and the construction of a mobile Oklahoma aviation history 
exhibit by the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. Other events 
include a commemorative Air Force-sponsored WWII hangar dance 
expected to draw over 1,000 attendees and a December 17 gala 
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight.

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Oklahoma City, will be 
providing financial assistance for organizations 
participating in the Centennial of Flight celebration, as 
well as public relations support for the Oklahoma Centennial 
of Flight Commission.

Crown Agents Stamp Bureau plans to create a collection of 
official postage stamps featuring civilian and military 
aircraft of the last 100 years. As a result of the agreement 
signed with the Centennial of Flight Commission, the company, 
which works with postal authorities throughout the world, 
will use the Commission logo on the stamps. Crown Agents 
Stamp Bureau will coordinate the design, production, sales 
and marketing of the postage stamps on a worldwide basis.

"The Commission is always excited to bring new organizations 
into the celebration," said J.R. Dailey, chairman of the U.S. 
Centennial of Flight Commission. "Oklahoma and Crown Stamp 
Agents Bureau will help us increase exposure for the 
commemoration in the United States and around the globe."

The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission is coordinating a 
national outreach campaign, "Centennial of Flight: Born of 
Dreams -- Inspired by Freedom," to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight and 
the century of accomplishments that followed. The Commission 
also is advising the President, Congress and federal agencies 
on the most effective ways to encourage and promote national 
and international participation in commemoration. More 
information, as well as a calendar of events, may be found 
online at:
www.centennialofflight.gov

More information also is available from Julie Breissinger of 
the Commission on (804) 675-8167.

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