By
August 4, 2003

Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin got into the spirit of her city's Centennial celebration of the Wright Brother's first flight by donning period clothing throughout the two-week festivities.

Dayton recently hosted its biggest celebration ever — an extravaganza that brought all sectors of the city together to honor the accomplishments of Daytonians Orville and Wilbur Wright.

It was 100 years ago that the Wright Brothers took the ideas crafted and refined in their Dayton bicycle shop and converted them into that historical first airplane flight. To recognize their exploits and their genius, leaders from Dayton's public and private sectors worked together over the past five years to prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

"Where better to celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight than in the city that taught the world to fly?" McLin asked. "As the place where Orville and Wilbur Wright first conceived, designed, built and refined their -flying machine,- Dayton proudly boasts of being the Birthplace of Aviation. I was happy to add to the celebration by wearing clothes from the 1903 era, but I am also happy that it was a temporary assignment!"

The festivities kicked-off on July 3rd and continued at various venues through July 20th. Events and activities included various live performances, amusement rides, educational seminars, historical displays and related aviation activities.

One of the highlights of the event was the 2003 Dayton Airshow, featuring an unprecedented joint appearance by three jet performance teams — the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Snowbirds.

President Bush delivered his Independence Day speech from the grounds of Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. John Glenn, another Ohioan and the first American to orbit the earth, served as the Celebration's Secretary General. Other dignitaries participated in the events as well, including Astronaut Neil Armstrong and actors Harrison Ford and John Travolta.