By Dayton (OH) Mayor Rhine McLin
August 5, 2002

In the summer of 1902, The Wright Brothers were diligently designing and constructing a dream that would indelibly alter the fate of American life and industry, in my hometown, Dayton, Ohio. One hundred years, countless of successful takeoffs and landings later, Daytonians are preparing to host the world in commemoration of that fateful day with the same inherent spirit and drive that characterized the Wrights- leap into history.

The Summer of 2003 will mark the centennial of the Wright Brothers- pioneering 12'second foray into the air. From July 3-20, 2003, Daytonians will host hundreds of thousands of celebrants to mark the anniversary of this important moment, and to showcase our city, which is historically a greenhouse for innovative, entrepreneurial spirits.

With our partners, the city of Dayton will stage the nation's largest "Centennial of Flight" celebration, the kick-off coinciding with our renowned Independence Day festivities and culminating in the Dayton Air Show at Wright-Patterson Airforce Base on the final weekend.

Our Centennial is not exclusive to aviation buffs: sports enthusiasts, culture vultures and just about everyone else will find something to peak their interest. Deeds Park will serve as the nerve center for the Centennial. Aptly named "Celebration Center", our visitors will revel in the thrill of the Dayton skyline and the convergence of the Great Miami and Mad Rivers as they choose which of the numerous experiences to ingest. Traditional music and dance will be the focus of the "Cityfolk" festival, highlighting the rich diversity of the Dayton Community. RE/MAX International, will ascend several hot air balloon events for the entire family. Some of our nation's most talented cyclists will represent "Team Dayton" in the U.S. Pro Cycling Tour. We will also recreate Orville and Wilbur Wright's hometown with a turn-of-the-20th-century Dayton, Ohio "Living History" exhibit at the Dayton AviaThis monumental task has been spearheaded by Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, an organization founded in 1989 to promote aviation, the Wright Brothers and Dayton's role in the future of aviation.

This monumental task has been spearheaded by Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003, an organization founded in 1989 to promote aviation, the Wright Brothers and Dayton's role in the future of aviation.

Celebrations aside, for our city the Centennial represents the success of a community coming together to achieve a common goal. Throughout the years of planning and preparation, what has been most significant is the compromise and partnerships that have nurtured a greater sense of unity amongst Daytonians of every walk of life.

Our hometown is America's city — one of enormous economic opportunity, promise, affordable housing, beautiful neighborhoods and a comfortable place to raise a family.

My hometown boasts some of the more interesting and prolific achievements in human history. You probably haven't thought about how integral mundane items as the cash register and sponge-mop are to our daily lives. Thanks to Dayton residents, our floors are kept clean much easier and we don't have to wait for sales clerks to add up our purchases by hand.

The Centennial is the opportunity for us to demonstrate that Dayton is a breeding ground for realizing human potential. Wright Patterson Air Force base is a leader in technology research and development. Tech companies are popping up in every corner of the city, recognizing that a talented, discriminating workforce will gravitate to a city that is infinitely livable — with affordable amenities to rival any region in the country. Here you get the best of both worlds: in Dayton the urbane blends with the pastoral at a discounted price. On behalf of the residents of Dayton, I am inviting you to spend your summer vacation with us next year. I promise, you won't want to leave.