Public Law 97–281

Joint Resolution

To provide for the designation of October 5, 1982 as “Dr. Robert H. Goddard Day”.

Whereas October 5, 1982, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Robert H. Goddard, the father of the space age;

Whereas this rocket pioneer’s persevering pursuit of new knowledge has led us to orbit the Earth, to walk the Moon’s surface, to fill the skies with countless tools for communications and scientific inquiry;

Whereas he was the first to explore the practicality of using rocket power to reach high altitudes;

Whereas he was the first to launch a liquid propellant rocket;

Whereas he was the first to develop gyrosteering apparatus, pumps, rocket motors and landing devices;

Whereas he was the first to dream the dream of jet-driven aircraft and interplanetary/interstellar space travel;

Whereas he neither sought, nor received public acclaim or financial reward during his lifetime; and

Whereas the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce, Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in cooperation with the Worcester County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Center of Business Information will honor Dr. Robert H. Goddard with a centennial celebration in Worcester, Massachusetts, on October 5, 6, and 7, 1982: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

Dr. Robert H. Goddard Day.

United States of America in Congress assembled,

Approved October 5, 1982.