One-hundred years ago today, two brothers aimed their small, homemade airplane for the sky and changed the course of human history. As we commemorate the Wright Brothers' historic flight, we also celebrate the transformational impact that aviation has had on our world over the past 100 years. The Wright Brothers ushered in an era of unprecedented economic development and intellectual evolution. They've allowed people here in America and around the world to travel to, communicate with, and learn from each other without regard for geographic boundaries.

On this day, we must once again commit ourselves to a great pioneering journey that will be worthy of remembrance 100 years from now. We must once again dare to go where we have never gone before. We must once again explore uncharted territory. And we must do so in the spirit of enhancing the security and prosperity of all nations on Earth.