HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4687

HR 4687

ByRepresentatives Dent, Christian, Taylor, Bronoske, Mosbrucker, Jacobsen, Ryu, Callan, Pollet, Peterson, Schmick, Goehner, Orwall, Chopp, Chapman, Sandlin, Springer, Graham, Robertson, Orcutt, Davis, Ortiz-Self, Kloba, Walsh, Fosse, Rule, Eslick, Slatter, Corry, Barkis, and Caldier

WHEREAS, 2024 marks the centennial of the first around the world flight which originated from Washington state, departing from Seattle's Sand Point Park; and

WHEREAS, On April 6, 1924, four Douglas World Cruisers, the Seattle, New Orleans, Chicago, and Boston, embarked on a grueling six-month journey to complete the first around the world flight; and

WHEREAS, Two crewmen operated each pontoon equipped biplane, without radios, parachutes, life preservers, or rafts due to weight restraints. Fortunately, the biplanes were flanked by ground and sea support from the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fisheries; and

WHEREAS, The airmen covered 26,345 miles, touched down in 29 countries in over 76 flights, and survived five forced landings. In the end, two of the four Douglas World Cruisers completed the entire journey; and

WHEREAS, On September 28, 1924, the Chicago and the New Orleans arrived at Seattle's Sand Point Park before 50,000 enthusiastic fans 175 days after the flight had departed; and

WHEREAS, To commemorate the depth and breadth of Washington state's aeronautical history, Friends of Magnuson Park will host a multiday event leading up to September 28, 2024;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the many contributions made to our state by the aeronautics and aviation community, and the Friends of Magnuson Park for bringing this important piece of history to our attention; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the 2024 Planning Committee of the Friends of Magnuson Park.