Public Law 97–413

Joint Resolution

To designate 1983 as the “Bicentennial of Air and Space Flight”.

Whereas the first manned flight in history was made by Etienne de Montgolfier at LaMuette, France, on November 21, 1783, releasing man from his terrestrial shackles;

Whereas a few months later in Baltimore, Maryland, a thirteen- year-old boy named Edward Warren soared aloft in a balloon launched by Peter Carnes, Esquire, who a few days previously launched America’s first hot air balloon, the Splendid Chariot, from the grounds of the Indian Queen Tavern in Bladensburg, Maryland;

Whereas the United States and its first ally, France, together with many other countries will celebrate the extraordinary achievements in air and space flight of the past two centuries;

Whereas the United States Organizing Committee has been established to plan, coordinate, and assist in the implementation of national. State, and local festivities during 1983;

Whereas the bicentennial provides an opportunity for increasing public awareness in international trade, of education in science, mathematics, and engineering, and of reigniting the creativity and competitiveness that has historically fueled America and its economy: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Approved January 3, 1983.