New Opening Ceremony For New Century Of Flight

Perhaps it was only fitting. After all, what do you do after celebrating a century of flight? That was the theme of last year's AirVenture and you might have thought the EAA would be hard-pressed to top it.

But the theme of this year's AirVenture is the second century of flight and the EAA kicked it off with a new tradition -- an opening ceremony.

"It's always great to remember your heritage," said EAA President Tom Poberezny, "but it's also great to look forward. Kitty Hawk launched the first century of flight. But what better place than Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to launch the second century."

Remembering AirVenture's heritage, Tom introduced his father, Paul, the founder and chairman of the EAA.

"It's hard for me to imagine, coming from Rockford, Illinois -- having our conventions there and then moving to Milwaukee, that this land was a farmer's field.... everything was done with the farmers on a handshake. For me, it's been a wonderful life."

Actor Cliff Robertson, who led the Young Eagles program at its inception, also took the stage, marking the one-millionth Young Eagle flight earlier this year. As of today, the program has introduced approximately 1,070,000 kids to the wonder of aviation.

"Ten years ago," Robertson told the crowd at Tuesday's opening ceremony, "they asked me to write something about the Young Eagles... and with your indulgence, I'll read it.

"'Let us not wring our hands in despair,'" he read, "'Let us use our hands to repair a sagging spirit, a failing work ethic. Let us build a foundation, a firm ground of belief in our youth. Let us give them the tools to create their own future and, in so doing, enhance the future of aviation in America.'"

And with that, AirVenture 2004 is open for business.

FMI: www.eaa.org