Over the years, France was-and remains, to some extent-an aerospace-proud nation. In the last several decades, it was often the vanguard for innovations. This forward-thinking momentum began more than 100 years ago when the great minds of the day gave a warm welcome to the Wright brothers after the two inventors failed to garner the support they needed in the U.S. In France, they were accorded respect, accolades and help in their efforts to make controlled flight a reality, including during their celebrated stay in Rheims, in 1909.
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