"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds -
and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -
wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
"Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God."
- John Gillespie Magee, "High Flight"
"High Flight"
This poem was written by John Gillespie Magee, an Anglo-American Pilot Officer for the Canadian Air Force. It was written in August 1941, just a few months before the 19 year-old pilot was killed in a plane accident. The powerful words of this poem, found on many aviators' gravestones in Arlington National Cemetery, illustrate the reasons why humans have always sought the power of flight.
This poem was written by John Gillespie Magee, an Anglo-American Pilot Officer for the Canadian Air Force. It was written in August 1941, just a few months before the 19 year-old pilot was killed in a plane accident. The powerful words of this poem, found on many aviators' gravestones in Arlington National Cemetery, illustrate the reasons why humans have always sought the power of flight.
The Hindenburg Disaster
This photo, which shows the explosion of the Hindenburg, was taken in 1937. The accident was deadly, taking the lives of 36 people. This accident was a giant step back for air travel, as the public reeled from this crisis. The Hindenburg Disaster was a warning for future aircraft design and a wake up call for those who impetuously sought constant innovation without worrying about possible safety issues.
This photo, which shows the explosion of the Hindenburg, was taken in 1937. The accident was deadly, taking the lives of 36 people. This accident was a giant step back for air travel, as the public reeled from this crisis. The Hindenburg Disaster was a warning for future aircraft design and a wake up call for those who impetuously sought constant innovation without worrying about possible safety issues.
Video Credits: Nasa.gov, Apollo 11 Moonwalk Montage
The First Moon Landing
Building on the foundation of previous Apollo missions, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on another celestial body. His immortal words "One small leap for man, one giant leap for mankind," have inspired generations. This accomplishment is the culmination of American innovation and sacrifice.
The First Moon Landing
Building on the foundation of previous Apollo missions, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on another celestial body. His immortal words "One small leap for man, one giant leap for mankind," have inspired generations. This accomplishment is the culmination of American innovation and sacrifice.
Space Shuttle Challenger accident
On, January 28, 1986 the Space Shuttle Challenger lifted off for the final time. Just 73 seconds after lift-off, the mission ended in catastrophic failure with the destruction of Challenger and the death of all seven crew members. This photo, taken approximately 60 seconds before disaster, along with President Reagan's address, highlights the incredible danger and sacrifice required to progress forward.
51B-S-052 (20 April 1985) - "The STS 51-B Spacelab 3 mission begins with the liftoff of the Challenger from Pad 39A at 12:02 p.m. (EDT). The object of the mission is to conduct applications, science and technology-oriented experimentation. The seven-member crew consists of astronauts Robert F Overmyer, commander; Frederick D. Gregory, pilot; Don L. Lind, Norman E. Thagard and William E. Thornton. The mission is planned for 7 days with a landing at Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards California scheduled for May 6."
Photo Credits: Towpilot. Douglas DC-3, SE-CFP, operated by non-profit organisation "Flygande Veteraner" in Sweden. Oct. 1989.
The DC - 3 Airliner
The DC - 3 is one of the most important airliners in our country's history for a multitude of reasons, foremost being that it was the first airline to successfully turn a profit just shuttling passengers across the country, without any extra cargo. It cut the trip from 25 hours to just 18, and seated twenty one passengers. What is remarkable is that the DC - 3 is still commercially flying, eighty years from its first flight.
See the article here
The DC - 3 Airliner
The DC - 3 is one of the most important airliners in our country's history for a multitude of reasons, foremost being that it was the first airline to successfully turn a profit just shuttling passengers across the country, without any extra cargo. It cut the trip from 25 hours to just 18, and seated twenty one passengers. What is remarkable is that the DC - 3 is still commercially flying, eighty years from its first flight.
See the article here
"Every year, millions of people travel through Ronald Reagan National Airport. They are visitors, whose hearts skip a beat when they reach the 14th Street Bridge and catch their first glimpse of the Washington Monument, with the Capitol dome glowing in the distance. They are business travelers, rushing to and from meetings downtown. They are Members of Congress, racing to make the last flight home after doing the people’s business in our nation’s capital... I believe one of the most underappreciated elements of the Reagan presidency was his unwavering support for our nation’s transportation system. That’s why it’s so fitting that this airport bears President Reagan’s name. As he himself said, on many occasions, “America’s transportation system is a special part of our heritage.” In his typically wonderful phrasing, President Reagan argued that it – quote – 'has enabled our commerce to thrive, our country to grow, and our people to roam freely and easily to every corner of our land.'"
- Secratary Ray LaHood, Ronald Reagan Statue Unveiling, 2011
A Speech at the Unveiling of a Statue at Ronald Reagan National Airport
This speech was given by Transportation secretary Ray LaHood in 2011. The speech was intended to preface the unveiling of a statue of Ronald Reagan. This speech encapsulates the romantic air with which transportation is often regarded, even using a quote from the former president which shows the crucial role transportation has played in the history of our country.
This speech was given by Transportation secretary Ray LaHood in 2011. The speech was intended to preface the unveiling of a statue of Ronald Reagan. This speech encapsulates the romantic air with which transportation is often regarded, even using a quote from the former president which shows the crucial role transportation has played in the history of our country.
Sources Cited from Top to Bottom:
- Magee, John Gillespie, Jr. "High Flight." Poem.
- 51B-S-052 (20 April 1985) Nasa.gov, Nasa, images-assets.nasa.gov/image/51b-s-052/51b-s-052~orig.jpg. Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.
- "Challenger: President Reagan's Challenger Disaster Speech - 1/28/86." Youtube, uploaded by Reagan Foundation, 28 Jan. 1986, youtu.be/ Qa7icmqgsow. Accessed 16 Jan. 2017.
- Shear, Sam. Zeppelin-ramp de Hindenburg / Hindenburg zeppelin disaster. Wikimedia Commons, Wikipedia, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Hindenburg_disaster.jpg. Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.
- LaHood, Ray. Ronald Reagan Statue Unveiling. US Department of Transportation, www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/ ronald-reagan-statue-unveiling-november-1-2011. Accessed 16 Nov. 2016.
- Patterson, Tom. "DC-3: The Unbelievable Airliner That Just Won't Quit." CNN, 4 June 2014, www.cnn.com/2014/06/04/travel/aviation-douglas-dc-3/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2017.
- Apollo 11 Moonwalk Montage. Nasa, 2009. Nasa.gov, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ apollo/apollo11.html. Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.
- Magee, John Gillespie, Jr. "High Flight." Poem.
- 51B-S-052 (20 April 1985) Nasa.gov, Nasa, images-assets.nasa.gov/image/51b-s-052/51b-s-052~orig.jpg. Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.
- "Challenger: President Reagan's Challenger Disaster Speech - 1/28/86." Youtube, uploaded by Reagan Foundation, 28 Jan. 1986, youtu.be/ Qa7icmqgsow. Accessed 16 Jan. 2017.
- Shear, Sam. Zeppelin-ramp de Hindenburg / Hindenburg zeppelin disaster. Wikimedia Commons, Wikipedia, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Hindenburg_disaster.jpg. Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.
- LaHood, Ray. Ronald Reagan Statue Unveiling. US Department of Transportation, www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/ ronald-reagan-statue-unveiling-november-1-2011. Accessed 16 Nov. 2016.
- Patterson, Tom. "DC-3: The Unbelievable Airliner That Just Won't Quit." CNN, 4 June 2014, www.cnn.com/2014/06/04/travel/aviation-douglas-dc-3/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2017.
- Apollo 11 Moonwalk Montage. Nasa, 2009. Nasa.gov, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ apollo/apollo11.html. Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.