If you've never heard of Amelia Earhart, she was an American aviation pioneer and author. She was the first woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and wrote about her record-setting flying experiences. Ever heard of The Ninety-Nines (an organization for female pilots)? Amelia was influential in getting that organization started.
She disappeared near Howland Island over the central Pacific Ocean during her attempt to make a circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937. Possible traces of her plane and personal effects have been discovered, but exactly where Amelia and her crew died remans unknown. Her humor, adventurous spirit, and tenacity will never be forgotton by the world.
“Courage is the price that Life exacts for granting peace,
The soul that knows it not, knows no release,
From little things;
Knows not the livid loneliness of fear
Nor mountain heights where bitter joy can hear
The sound of wings.”
“Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done.”
“Everyone has ocean's to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?”
“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”
“Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off. But if you don't have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you.”
“The most effective way to do it is to do it.”
“No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.”
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”
“There is no doubt that the last hour of any flight is the hardest. If there are any clouds about to make shadows one is likely to see much imaginary land. . . .
As I approached shore I strained my eyes to see something recognizable, and there was nothing. However, I noticed a low place in the hills, and I thought, like the bear, I would go over the mountains to see what I could see.”
