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Ceremonies at Smithsonian
Famed Wright Plane Becomes Property of Americans Today
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The Washington Post
THE GIRL WHO FLEW A WRIGHT PLANE-Ruth Law, the first woman to fly her own Wright brothers' airplane, is in Washington to participate in the celebration of the forty-fifth anniversary of airplane flight. She is displaying a picture made of herself at the controls of a Wright plane. (Story on Page 14)
Vinson to Accept Historic Machine In Name of People
The famous Wright airplane, which gave wings to man 45 years ago become official property of the American people today.
At least 700 persons, including the Nation's most celebrated aviation figures, will witness ceremonies at 10 a.m. in which the Smithsonian Institution will take formal possession of the prized "Kitty Hawk."
In the north hall of the National Museum's arts and industries building, Jefferson dr. and 10th st. sw., the famous relic, which spent 20 years in England as a result of Orville Wright's dispute with Smithsonian officials, will be accepted by Chief Justice of the United States Fred M. Vinson. He is Chancellor of the Smithsonian.
Vice President-elect Alben W. Barkley, a regent, will deliver the address of acceptance. A message from President Truman will be read by his Air Force Aide Col. Robert B. Landry.
The plane, invented by Wilbur and Orville Wright, will be presented to the Smithsonian by Milton Wright of Dayton, Ohio, a nephew, on behalf of Orville Wright's estate.
On its official tag, visitors - including some of this country's earliest pilots - will read that "the first flight lasted only twelve seconds, a flight very modest compared with that of birds, but it was nevertheless the first in the history of the world in which a machine carrying a man had raised itself by its own power into the air in free flight . . ."
Today's ceremonies, scheduled to last an hour, will be opened by Dr. Alexander Wetmore, secretary of the Smithsonian. Following greetings from Chief Justice Vinson, presiding officer, and the presidential message, Sir Oliver Franks, the British Ambassador, will discuss "Britain and the Wright Brothers."
Admission is by invitation only.
An oil painting of the first Wright flight will be flown to Washington for exhibition at the Smithsonian immediately after its unveiling at the forty-fifth anni-
See FLIGHT, Page 14, Column 7