This recording celebrates the first transatlantic flights out of the recently dedicated New York Municipal Airport–LaGuardia Field (LaGuardia Airport)

The first program, captured only in part, includes the ceremony for Pan American World Airways' inaugural flight out of La Guardia Airport to Lisbon, Portugal. It is Emceed by Juan Trippe, President of Pan Am, and includes speeches by the Superintendent of the Division of Airmail of the International Postal Service, Charles Bradley, Vice Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Authority, Hawley Branch, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as recited by Commissioner of Docks of the City of New York, John McKenzie, and Mayor La Guardia.

The second program also captured only in part, includes a dinner ceremony celebrating Eastern Airline's first flight out of La Guardia Airport to Mexico City. Eddie Rickenbacker, President of Eastern Airlines, emcees. Sir Hubert Wilkins, Mayor La Guardia, Elmer Sperry, and Captain Pete Parker, the pilot of the first Eastern Airlines flight out of North Beach and now out of La Guardia, all speak.



The recording begins with Juan Trippe, President of Pan American World Airways, in mid-speech, speaking about the expansion of the American trade frontier, from the west to abroad. He reviews this shift historically and the importance of remaining competitive worldwide and the new Lagaurdia Airfield's role in this.

Trippe introduces the Superintendent of the Division of Airmail of the International Postal Service, Charles P. (Bradley?). The Superintendent discusses the expansion of the postal service abroad and how the airport will aid in this expansion.

Trippe returns to the microphone to discuss the creation of the Civil Aeronautics Authority the prior year. Trippe introduces Vice Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Authority, Hawley Branch, who discusses the successes of transatlantic flight and the LaGuardia Airport's role in its continued success.

Trippe introduces the Senior Senator of New York, Robert Wagner. Wagner discusses the importance of the link between private enterprise and the public sector that the airport represents.
(His speech is cut off.)

The recording continues as an unidentified speaker finishes his speech.
Trippe introduces John F. McKenzie, Commissioner of Docks of the City of New York, reads a speech from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Roosevelt compares the opening of the LaGuardia Airport to the opening of the Erie Canal. He emphasizes the importance of the Airport as a reason for the federal government's substantial involvement.

Trippe introduces mayor La Guardia, praising his "vision, courage, and relentless effort" in building the airport.

La Guardia discusses the pleasure seeing a project become fully realized. He calls out Harry Hopkins for praise for his role on the project with the Works Progress Administration, as well as his successor, Colonel Francis Harrington. Colonel Brehon B. Somervell is also praised for his role in building the airport. La Guardia discusses the safety brought by the exacting requirements of the Civil Aeronautics Authority, praising it in spite of its costs. He also thanks Jim Farley, Postmaster General, and well as his own staff.
La Guardia alludes to a speech from a minister from Portugal, claiming the ceremony is significant in facilitating transatlantic travel.
La Guardia tells us that God withheld the power of flight until mankind could achieve peace. Those who would oppose the airport are therefore denying not only the will of man, but the will of God.

The program shifts to the flight of the Yankee Clipper from LaGuardia Airport to Lisbon, Portugal. As the Yankee Clipper takes off, the program closes with the National Anthem.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150091
Municipal archives id: LT3964