; Whereas the Wright Brothers finally realized the ancient and universal human aspiration to defy gravity; Whereas, in 1959 and 1961, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, joint resolutions designating December 17 as Wright Brothers Day ; Whereas, in 1963, Public Law 88–209 ( 36 U.S.C. 143 ) permanently designated December 17 each year as Wright Brothers Day ; and Whereas the inventive, courageous, and perseverant nature of the Wright Brothers exemplifies the spirit of the United States and the people of the United States; Now, therefore, be it