Girls in Aviation Day

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, the United States is recognized as the global leader in aerospace safety, efficiency and innovation, as is the State of Alabama; 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 citizens safety of the United States and in Alabama; 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, in 1911 became the first woman to earn a pilot certificate and cross the English Channel, to Helen Richey, 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 he 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, 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:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 23, 2017, as
Girls in Aviation Day
in the State of Alabama. I urge Alabamians to support and participate in Girls in Aviation Day events being held nationwide by Women in Aviation International Chapters, promoting girls in aviation and aerospace, and I encourage all of Alabama’s girls and women to consider aerospace careers and STEM learning.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 15th day of September 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor