Presidential Documents

87893 

Federal Register 

Vol. 88, No. 243 

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 10687 of December 15, 2023 

Wright Brothers Day, 2023 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

One hundred twenty years ago on the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North 

Carolina, two brothers forever changed the course of history. Wilbur and 

Orville Wright achieved one of the most transformative technological advancements in the history of humankind: the first-ever sustained, controlled, 

and powered flight. This Wright Brothers Day, we honor Wilbur and Orville’s 

quintessentially American spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and we celebrate their enduring legacy as pioneers who took our Nation to new heights. 

On December 17, 1903, after years of arduous research, meticulous designs, 

and dangerous trials, Wilbur and Orville launched the Wright Flyer. Twelve 

seconds and 120 feet later, the brothers had achieved controlled flight. 

Their feat propelled our Nation forward, accelerating advancements in aeronautics and bringing us closer to unlocking the full potential of humanity. 

Through their determination and bold vision, the Wright Brothers laid the 

foundations for some of the greatest technological developments on record— 

from breaking the sound barrier and stepping foot on the moon to flying 

a helicopter on Mars and launching deep-space telescopes that are answering 

some of the fundamental questions of the universe. The legacy of the Wright 

brothers lives on through the talents and spirits of today’s American dreamers 

and doers. 

Most of all, Wilbur and Orville’s advancement led to a new American 

innovation: modern air travel. My Administration is committed to preserving 

and investing in this legacy by enhancing safety and comfort from takeoff 

to landing. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are improving 

airport infrastructure across the country—expanding capacity at airport terminals, increasing energy efficiency, and making air travel more accessible 

for people with disabilities—all while creating good jobs across our Nation. 

I have often said that America can be defined in one word: possibilities. 

This Wright Brothers Day, let us recognize these two courageous brothers 

from Dayton, Ohio, for reminding us what we can accomplish when we 

work together to reach our loftiest dreams and tackle our greatest challenges. 

May we recommit to carrying forward their bold spirit of creativity and 

cooperation as we forge a better future for all. 

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 17, 1963, as amended 

(77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143), has designated December 17 of each year 

as ‘‘Wright Brothers Day’’ and has authorized and requested the President 

to issue annually a proclamation inviting the people of the United States 

to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2023, as Wright Brothers 

Day. 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PRESDOC-D0
87894 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 20, 2023 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day 

of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of 

the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 

forty-eighth. 

[FR Doc. 2023–28169 

Filed 12–19–23; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3395–F4–P 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PRESDOC-D0BIDEN.EPS</GPH>