While most of you come to the Outer Banks for the sunshine and beaches, surfing, fishing and unrivaled natural beauty, two brothers from Ohio came here nearly 100 years ago for the prevailing winds. The Wright brothers made history right here on the Outer Banks on December 17, 1903 with the first heavier-than-air powered flight.

In honor of Orville and Wilbur Wrights’ monumental achievement, we can all look forward to a number of events in the upcoming year. From visits from astronauts and famous aviators, to film festivals, living history exhibits, musical productions and art exhibitions, on up to the December 17, 2003 reenactment of first flight and accompanying fly-over, the Outer Banks will be alive with flight-related activities.

This is one year that you won’t want to procrastinate in making your vacation reservations; your entire family has the opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event, so start planning now.

Like the Wright brothers’ first flight, planning the statewide celebration of the 100th anniversary of flight takes creativity, effort and time. That daunting task belongs to the North Carolina First Flight Centennial Commission, whose members intend on making the centennial of flight the grandest commemoration in state history. To carry out its mission, the commission has formed partnerships with a number of public and private organizations, including NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Smithsonian Institution, the First Flight Society, NC DOT/Aviation, Dayton-based Inventing Flight, and the National Park Service. The National Park Service – through the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – has named the First Flight Centennial Commission as its planning partner for centennial events at the historic site.

Throughout the next year, North Carolina and the Outer Banks will be in the international spotlight, drawing visitors to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, eastern North Carolina, and to other aviation and historical attractions throughout our region. Those of us who live here have a unique opportunity to celebrate flight while proudly playing host to the world.