The
International Air & Space Hall of Fame Induction Celebration introduces its Distinguished Class of 2014. On Saturday, November 1, 2014, in the San Diego Air & Space Museum's Pavilion of Flight, guests from around the world join the honorees for a spectacular evening of fun and extraordinary recognition, as each attendee is offered an experiential peek into the lives of these air and space legends. Since 1963 the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored more than 200 of the world's most significant aviation pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers and space pioneers.
This year's Distinguished Class of 2014: Joe Engle, astronaut, space shuttle commander and famed X-15 rocket plane test pilot; Fitz Fulton, test pilot on the XB-70 Supersonic Bomber/B-58 Hustler, Blackbird pilot, considered one of the greatest test pilots of all time; Bill Boeing, Jr., influential preservationist of air and space history; retired Marine General and aviator John (Jack) R. Dailey, director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum; The Ninety-Nines, international women pilot fraternity whose first President was Amelia Earhart; WD-40, created in San Diego, that played a significant role in the quest to protect the Atlas Rocket, a world renowned name in lubricants; Roger Schaufele, innovative aircraft engineer and designer and Bessie Coleman, first African American woman to earn her pilot's license.
Each honoree or event is selected for their qualitative achievements and historic contributions to aviation, space or aerospace innovation or expanding the public's aviation and space awareness to the world. Their individual contributions are prime examples of endurance and the adventurous exploring spirit in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific advancement to benefit the world.
"We're especially pleased to honor this exemplary Class of 2014 because these pioneers have not only pushed back the frontiers of air and space exploration, they've also become strong positive role models for today's youth," said Jim Kidrick, San Diego Air & Space Museum President and CEO. "Aviation and space exploration, as embodied by the people we honor in the International Air & Space Hall of Fame, is a metaphor for the human pioneering spirit. It's a critical and key element of our exploring nature. We must inspire and provide a pathway for today's kids to challenge the science, technology, engineering and math equations, which are so important to our future. November 1 is THE evening of the year every guest will remember for a long time, and not want to miss. It's our chance to honor these legends on behalf of San Diegans, and really everyone in the world. They come from all over the globe to join us."
The International Air & Space Hall of Fame is the most prestigious induction in the world and composed of hundreds of air and space pilots, engineers, inventors and innovators, along with adventurers, scientists and industry leaders. NASA Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts and Russian cosmonauts are honored in the Hall of Fame, plus famous flying pioneers such as the Wright brothers, Charles Lindbergh and Chuck Yeager. Notable inductees include Igor Sikorsky, Wernher von Braun, Jack Northrop, William Boeing, Sr., Reuben H. Fleet, Glenn Curtiss, Walter Zable Sr., Fran Bera, Wally Schirra, Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, T. Claude Ryan, Jimmy Doolittle, Frederick Rohr, Waldo Waterman and many others. See the following link: Online Hall of Fame Exhibit.
"Inspiring kids to undertake tough science and engineering challenges is only the first step," Kidrick said. "We must also give them the resources they need to complete science education majors."
posted 08-12-2014 05:08 PM
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