02/07/2023
“Just so everyone is clear, I will not stop, I will not quit, and I won’t allow anyone - man or woman, to tell me that I will not complete this flight. My father once told me that we all have a choice. We can either live an empty life, or have a meaningful death. Perhaps it’s up to history to answer that question for my life. If there’s one thing I can promise you, it’s that people will be talking about what we do here on this day, and this flight, forever.”
- AE in an unreleased letter to Jackie Cochran dated March 3rd 1937
Good morning everyone.
July the 2nd has always been a meaningful day for me - but on this particular anniversary, I find myself conflicted. It’s an odd feeling.
On this day last year, I released my first book. “Rabbit Hole.” Because of that book, this date now carries a dual meaning for me. On the one hand, it’s the day we lost two icons - two heroes, really. On the other, it marks the now one year anniversary for something I poured all of myself into.
I don’t know what I can really say about Amelia that hasn’t already been said. So this year, I decided to keep it short.
Frankly, I’m tired. I’m really tired of having to write another one of these each year having moved no closer to the truth of the events of that morning, and thereafter.
It is my sincerest hope, that we soon find the answers we’ve all been seeking for so long. I’m encouraged now, more than ever that the legacy of Amelia and Fred is stronger than it’s ever been. It lives in the spirit of aviation, aerospace, and STEM. It lives in the countless letters that Amelia still receives each year, written by modern day children all around the world that find meaning in her struggles, setbacks, triumphs and ultimately, her sacrifice. Maybe there’s something to that.
I’m also encouraged by the incredible work that’s being done behind the scenes on multiple theories in this case - including, for the very first time, a major cross theory collaboration that willl change the way we investigate historical mysteries forever.
For now though, do me a favor. Sometime during the next 24 hours, pour yourself your favorite drink, and give a little toast to Amelia and Fred.
Wherever they are.
Chris Williamson
July 2nd 2023