Dare to Be Great

"DARE TO BE GREAT"

"On September 17, 1908, the Wright Flyer circled Fort Myer 4 1/2 times at 150 feet for a set of planned military acceptance trials. Orville Wright piloted the heavier-than-air flying machine with First Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge as his military observer and passenger. Halfway through the fifth circuit, the right propeller broke, losing thrust. The Flyer hit the ground nose first. Orville Wright recovered, but Army aviator Lt. Selfridge became the first victim of an accident in a powered aircraft. Endowed with enthusiasm and a keen mind, Lt. Selfridge's sudden death was a great loss to aeronautics and the fledgling Army Air Corps. Lt. Selfridge's deep scientific interest and a special love for the great challenges of life remains a driving force for the men and women who attend the Air Force Institute of Technology." Fort Myer, Virginia 1908

Signed by artist Gary Curto, as well as:

Panel 1: Edward J. "Ed" Mechenbier, Gregory S. "Speedy" Martin, Joe M. Jackson (MoH), Richard "Dick" Rutan, Bernard F. "Bernie" Fisher (MoH)
Panel 2: Robert D. Gaylor, Joseph L. Galloway, Eileen M. Collins, Herbert E. Carter, Joe W. Kittinger

2007 Wright Brothers Lecture Series Signed Numbered 3 Panel Print