BADDECK, NS - To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight in the British Empire by the Silver Dart, Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain today introduced a bill highlighting the importance of this aviation feat.

The bill highlights the contributions of the Aerial Experiment Association, headed by Alexander Graham Bell and Mabel Bell, along with Frederick W. "Casey" Baldwin, J. A. Douglas McCurdy, Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge and Glenn Curtiss.

The famed flight, piloted by Mr. McCurdy from the ice-covered Bras D'Or Lake in Baddeck on February 23, 1909 brought the nation into the Age of Flight.

"This was an important milestone for our nation then and a proud heritage moment to celebrate 100 years later," Mr. Bain said.

"I look forward to next year's festivities to honour the pioneering spirit of the AEA - a group of enterprising and brave citizens of which we are still so proud."