Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin) is proudly acknowledging the second annual ‘Transatlantic Flight Day.’ Last year’s resolution, which proclaimed May 20 as Transatlantic Flight Day, commemorates the date on which Lindbergh took flight aboard the Spirit of St. Louis from Roosevelt Field on the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris. Ra praised the Town of Hempstead for its role in honoring and protecting a monument of Charles Lindbergh’s launching of his famed transatlantic flight so people can remember this historic event for generations to come.

“It is an honor to be able to recognize May 20, 2014 as the second annual Transatlantic Flight Day. This important day represents one of the most significant aviation feats of the 20th Century,” said Ra. “Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic Ocean opened many doors in American history and led to great change and excitement. The fact that this great endeavor began in our community is something to be celebrated. I hope that this day reminds Long Island residents of the impact their community has had on our nation’s aviation industry and that the sky truly is the limit.”

Beginning in 2012, Hofstra student Adam Sackowitz, along with Supervisor Kate Murray and members of the Town of Hempstead, worked diligently to promote and protect the monument at the Charles Lindbergh’s historic takeoff site. They have been extremely successful in raising awareness to the importance of the monument. In addition to passing the Assembly Resolution in May 2013, the East Garden City monument also has been secured as a landmark.

“I would like to thank Assemblyman Ra for his tireless effort in commemorating the World's first non-stop Transatlantic Flight,” said Sackowitz. “Transatlantic Flight Day is a day to pay homage to Charles Lindbergh, a daring 25-year-old U.S. air mail pilot who believed in himself and in the future of aviation. Long Island's Roosevelt Field gave Lindbergh his successful start, and it is our responsibility as Long Islanders to preserve the nationally significant takeoff site which stands as one of our nation’s most important aviation landmarks.”