The 2023 Wright Memorial Dinner was held on Friday, December 15, 2023 and honored Capt. Robert Crippen for “… his devotion to public service and the advancement of American aerospace; his achievements as an aviator, astronaut, and leader; and his selfless dedication to the future of humankind.”
On September 12, 2023, the National Aeronautic Association announced that Captain Robert Crippen, USN (Ret.) has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for “… his devotion to public service and the advancement of American aerospace; his achievements as an aviator, astronaut, and leader; and his selfless dedication to the future of humankind.”
Crippen will be presented with the Wright Trophy at the Aero Club of Washington’s 75th Annual Wright Memorial Dinner on December 15, 2023 in Washington, DC.
The 2022 Wright Memorial Dinner was held on Friday, December 16, 2022 and honored Colonel Eileen Collins for “… her perseverance in the advancement of aviation and aerospace as a teacher, astronaut, and leader, and for serving as an inspiration for all those seeking to break barriers in their field.”
On September 15, 2022, the National Aeronautic Association announced that Colonel Eileen Collins, USAF (Ret.) has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for … “her perseverance in the advancement of aviation and aerospace as a teacher, astronaut, and leader, and for serving as an inspiration for all those seeking to break barriers in their field.”
Collins will be presented with the Wright Trophy at the Aero Club of Washington’s 74th Annual Wright Memorial Dinner on December 16, 2022, in Washington, DC.
Major General Charles Bolden, USMC (Ret.), was selected as the recipient of the 2020 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for “… his impassioned commitment to public service in aviation and aerospace as an aviator, astronaut, and leader and his dedication to excellence for the advancement of all humanity.”
Established by NAA in 1948 to honor the memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the trophy is awarded annually to a living American for “…significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.” One of the most important, historic, and visible aerospace awards in the world, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy reflects a timeline of the most innovative inventors, explorers, industrialists, and public servants in aeronautics and astronautics.
“I can’t begin to thank the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy selection committee for making this prestigious honor possible,” said Bolden. “As this honor continues to sink in, I am humbled and feeling even more the effect of the ‘imposter syndrome’ as I think of the many true heroes of aviation who preceded me with this award. This is an incredible honor and I really look forward to trying to live up to its legacy and inspire many future Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy winners.”
“The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy is our greatest individual honor,” said NAA President Greg Principato. “When you take into account Charlie Bolden’s career and commitment, he truly embodies what this award is meant to recognize. In every aspect of his career he has served causes and missions greater than himself. His example will inspire future generations.”
Aero Club Board of Governors with the Wright Trophy recipient, Major General Charlie Bolden and his wife, Alexis Walker
The 2019 Wright Memorial Dinner honored Major General Michael Collins for his lifelong dedication to aerospace and public service in the highest order.
The 2018 Wright Memorial Dinner honored Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton, USAF (Ret.) for his extraordinary achievements as a history-making African American aviator in service to his country, and tireless, continuing contributions to the advancement of aviation education and advocacy.
The 2017 Wright Memorial Dinner honored Gen. J.R. “Jack” Dailey, USMC (Ret.), Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and recipient of the 2017 NAA Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.