Aerospace Industries Association
AIA Launches National Aerospace Day
AIA is launching National Aerospace Day on Sept. 16 to recognize the contributions of the American aerospace and defense industry and to thank our companies' employees for the work they do every day to lift America.
In a letter to President Obama requesting a presidential proclamation, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey wrote, “The mastery of flight and the exploration of space are uniquely tied to the American experience. Not only have Americans broken records and boundaries, our leadership in aerospace has inspired many to dream and lifted the nation to greatness.”
Also, the association is seeking a congressional resolution that would declare Sept. 16 as National Aerospace Day. House Aerospace Caucus Co-chair Vern Ehlers (D-Mich.) and 27 co-sponsors have introduced language to establish National Aerospace Day, and Senators George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) are offering similar language in that chamber. The resolutions are expected to pass in early September.
The first-ever commemoration will feature a series of special events on Capitol Hill to once again hit home the theme of the industry outreach campaign begun late last year — “Aerospace and Defense: the Strength to Lift America.”
The day’s events include a breakfast with the House Manufacturing Caucus featuring Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator, and Jacques Gansler, former DoD Undersecretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, to discuss industrial base issues, a policy luncheon with former industry executive Norm Augustine as featured speaker and a Wings of Liberty reception to honor Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii).
In addition to the Capitol Hill events, AIA will run ads in select inside-the-beltway publications to bring home the message about the jobs, sales and trade balance that the aerospace industry brings to the nation.
The association is also encouraging member companies to reach out to their employees with news about the national celebration. While this is the first year, the association envisions National Aerospace Day as an annual event that will grow in scope in the future.
AIA Source: alexis.allen@aia-aerospace.org