Girls in Aviation Day

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, the United States is a global leader in aerospace safety, efficiency, and innovation; and

WHEREAS, the aerospace industry is dependent upon a skilled workforce to maintain this exemplary level of quality; and

WHEREAS, local leaders in government and in the community recognize the importance of the aerospace industry to the economic prosperity, national security, and citizen safety of the United States; and

WHEREAS, women have been involved in aviation since its earliest days, from E. Lillian Todd, who designed and built aircraft in 1906, to Harriet Quimby who became the first woman pilot for a U.S. commercial airline in 1934, to Astronaut Dr. Sally Ride who, in 1983, was the first American woman in space, to Jeana Yeager who copiloted the first non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world in 1986, to Astronaut Eileen Collins, who became the first female Space Shuttle Pilot in 1997 and first female Space Shuttle Commander in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Alabama is home to distinguished and accomplished women in aviation like Dr. Deborah Barnhart who attended University of Alabama Huntsville and is now the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center; and Mae Jemison, born in Decatur, Alabama who became the first African-American woman to travel in space when she traveled on board the Space Shuttle Endeavor; and

WHEREAS, during the last two decades, although the number of women involved in the aviation industry has steadily increased, only 16 percent of people working in the aircraft, spacecraft, and manufacturing industry are female; and

WHEREAS, it is agreed that the path to increasing participation is through a collaborative effort by government, industry, and dedicated organizations and individuals designed to inspire girls to pursue aerospace based goals, prepare female students through quality aerospace STEM curriculum and expose girls to positive female role models; and

WHEREAS, September 20 through 26, 2015, has been designated National Girls in Aviation Week calling on all Americans to recognize the importance of

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 26, 2015, as

Girls in Aviation Day

in the State of Alabama and encourage all citizens, businesses, public, and private agencies, media, and educational institutions to support and participate in girls in Aviation Day events being held nationwide.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the21st day of August 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor