August 29, 2003

The Work of First Flight Centennial
Before we take a break for Labor Day, I hope you will join us in thanking those who are making the work of the First Flight Centennial possible. As you know from Update, there's a great deal of excitement and accomplishment. Here's a special word of thanks to our sponsors and donors -- those who are making this work possible.

They are a wonderful group -- generous not only with financial support but also with ideas, expertise and resources that have made for a better First Flight Centennial. We are gratified to have the support and engagement of aviation visionaries like Harry Combs, formerly of Gates Learjet, and the late Tom Davis, founder of Piedmont Airlines. Support from organizations like AOPA, who funded the building of the new Pilot Facility at the park, and our own board of directors and campaign volunteers, has truly been exceptional. Corporate leaders including Northrop Grumman and Curtiss Wright, among other friends, have extended strong financial support and leadership. We're proud that a number of local and regional contributors have joined us. The Centennial Circle program is now over half-way to capacity and plays an integral role in the success of the Celebration.

Please join us in honoring our First Flight Centennial Sponsors and Donors by taking a look at who's on board! The list of sponsors continues to grow, and we look forward to recognizing and welcoming our contributor VIP's to a once-in-a-lifetime experience through special seating, hospitality and events. 


Aviation in North Carolina Literature and Letters
East Carolina University's award-winning   literary journal, the North Carolina Literary Review, features rare images from the Wright brothers' 1911 glider experiments. These cyanotypes were owned by Alpheus Drinkwater, the telegrapher who announced the Wright brothers' 1903 success to the world. Drinkwater's daughter, Marguerite Drinkwater Booth, allowed these blue-toned prints (an early method of photography) to be reproduced and published, for the first time, by NCLR.
NCLR features an interview with North Carolina novelist Clyde Edgerton, in which he discusses his experiences as a pilot for the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. Other articles in the special feature section show how North Carolina and flight have been linked since long before 1903 -- in an 18th century German novel, in which the main character flies across the ocean and lands in the area now called Winston-Salem -- to long after -- in Edgerton's novels, The Floatplane Notebooks and In Memory of Junior. The 1903 event itself features prominently throughout American poetry, including a poem by Robert Frost called "Kitty Hawk." 

To purchase a copy of this issue, send a check for $15 plus $2 for postage to: NCLR, Department of English, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353. Or contact the editor, Margaret Bauer, at BauerM@mail.ecu.edu or (252) 328-1537.


Win A 'First Flight Experience'
Raleigh -- North Carolina's capital city -- is launching the "YOUR FIRST FLIGHT TO EXPERIENCE FIRST FLIGHT" online sweepstakes. Enter before November 1, 2003 via the internet at www.VisitRaleigh.com/flight
One lucky winner (and a child 13 or younger who has NEVER FLOWN BEFORE) will win the chance to FLY TO RALEIGH for a fun-filled weekend via American Airlines (an official First Flight Centennial sponsor), with a two-night stay at the Raleigh Crabtree Marriott and car rental provided by Thrifty, complete with IMAX movie tickets, admission to flight-related museum exhibits, festivals, free shopping and more. Visit the web site for more information and to enter.

Raleigh is a cultural hub for First Flight Centennial activities, including: IMAX® Theatre at Exploris Museum "Apollo 13"; North Carolina Museum of History "Pioneers of Aviation"; Raleigh City Museum "Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Transportation in the Triangle"; North Carolina Museum of Art "Defying Gravity: Contemporary Art and Flight" and "Into the Blue"; North Carolina Museum of History "Lindbergh". For more information, contact the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-849-8499, visit@visitraleigh.com or www.VisitRaleigh.com 


Official First Flight Centennial Flags -- 
Flying All Over!

Get your official flags, custom lightpole banners, stickers and license plates to show your support for The Event of the Century!

 Custom banners are available with the official images and your location. The large custom lightpole banners are made to order, so if you want to join the Celebration, please contact Islander Flags soon.


   Call Islander Flags of
   Kitty Hawk at
   1-800-253-3524, or
   visit them just across
   the Wright Memorial
   Bridge in Kitty Hawk.
   Wholesale inquiries
   welcome.


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