Thomas E. Petri: “This resolution honors the heroic achievements of Captain Barrington Antonio Irving, the youngest pilot and first person…”

“This resolution honors the heroic achievements of Captain Barrington Antonio Irving, the youngest pilot and first person of African American descent to fly solo around the world. Captain Barrington Irving was born in Jamaica, as was pointed out, in 1983 and raised in Miami, Florida. His lifelong dream was to become a pilot, and this exceptional young man overcame great obstacles to make his dream a reality. On March 23, 2007, after nearly 4 years of acquiring sufficient funds for his journey, Irving embarked from Miami, Florida, on a 24,600-mile flight around the world in an airplane rightly named Inspiration. At the age of 23, Irving became the youngest person, as well as the first African American pilot, to fly around the world when he returned to Miami on June 27, 2007. During his 3-month journey, Irving visited with young people in 27 cities around the world encouraging them to enter aviation and stressing the importance of academics. Captain Barrington Irving is an inspiration and an example that, through perseverance and dedication, anyone can overcome even the greatest obstacles and can achieve their goals. I am proud to support this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional young man and commemorating his historic achievement.”