On Aug. 11, 1901, Orville and Wilbur Wright were riding a train home to Dayton, Ohio after several rather unsuccessful days of testing their latest glider at Kitty Hawk. Crestfallen by the results,  Wilbur turned to Orville a said, "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly."

Less than three years later, man -- in the person of Wilbur, himself -- flew. Today, as the Space Shuttle taxies astronauts to the International Space Station, is rather stunning to think that many people witnessed both the first successful airplane flight and our first steps on the moon within a single lifetime.

The government has already started planning a nationwide celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight. Last week, the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission (COFC) issued its plans for a coast-to-coast series of festivities officially themed "Born of Dreams -- Inspired by Freedom."

"We believe these six words capture the spirit of the Wright brothers' drive and determination to conquer powered flight," said Sherry Foster, executive director, U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. "The Wright brothers' discovery continues to change the world we live in. This celebration will pay tribute to their accomplishments and those who have pioneered flight for the past 100 years."

Numerous federal, state and private organizations are involved in the effort. Activities and events planned for the year-long celebration include plane races, cross-country Wright Flyer tours, blimp events, international symposiums, special art displays, attempts at aviation world records, gas balloon races, an international aviation world's fair and special museum exhibits, as well as events by the U.S. Air Force, IMAX Films, NASA and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The festivities will culminate on the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Dec.17, 2003, with an authentic recreation of the Wright brothers' first flight on the sand dunes near Kitty Hawk.

"The Centennial celebration will offer activities for Americans of all ages," said Commission Chairman General J.R. ("Jack") Dailey. "We want people all over this country to rekindle their fascination with flight and to look upon this Centennial as a celebration of our freedom to reach for our dreams."

The Commission is working on plans for a kick-off event in Washington on Dec. 17, 2002. A complete listing of all Centennial activities and more information on the Commission can be found at: http://www.centennialofflight.gov

From first-flight to footsteps on the moon in just 66 years:

Dec. 17, 1903 -- The first powered takeoff and landing of an airplane is flown by Wilbur Wright.
Sept. 20, 1904 -- The first complete circle in an airplane is flown by Wilbur Wright.
July 20, 1969 -- Neil Armstrong becomes the first human to walk on the moon.