WHEREAS, Attempts to begin an airmail service began as early as 1912 as the airplane was developing into a practical means of transportation, however it was not until 1916 that sufficient government funds became available for such a program; and
WHEREAS, In the wake of WWI the famous US Army Air Service Curtiss “Jenny” trainer planes received a new mission; and
WHEREAS, These planes were scheduled to deliver mail regularly between New York, Philadelphia, and Washington; and
WHEREAS, Army pilots made history with the very first airmail being delivered along the New York to Philadelphia to Washington route, including the stop at Bustleton Airfield, which is known as the birth of commercial aviation; and
WHEREAS, This delivery took place on May 15, 1918 on a 218 mile route, which delivered one round trip six days a week; and
WHEREAS, This route was used by the Army pilots until August 10, 1918 when the United States Post Service would take over the program utilizing their own planes and pilots; and
WHEREAS, The modern airline industry that exists presently would not be possible without the direct outgrowth of the early pioneers in the commercial airmail industry and their staunch efforts to succeed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Does hereby honor and recognize the Centennial Celebration of the Nation’s First Regularly Scheduled Air Mail Delivery.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body for hosting and leading the Centennial Celebration.
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