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Today marked the 72nd birthday of the United States Air Force, which was established by President Harry S. Truman as a separate branch from the Army on Sept. 18, 1947 and has upheld its promise to be the most lethal, ready, and the fastest warfighting power in the world.
This morning, the island of Guam celebrated with its inaugural USAF birthday flag raising ceremony in front of the Guam Congress Building in Hagåtña. A diverse mix of public servants were in attendance at the ceremony, including Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero, Guam governor, Lt. Col. Esther Aguigui, adjutant general of Guam Air National Guard, Col. Matthew Nicholson, 36th Wing vice commander, Chief Master Sgt. Karen Cloyd, acting 36th Wing command chief, and Tina Muna Barnes, speaker of the 35th Guam Legislature.
The honored guests stood in reverence as USAF honor guard members raised the United States and Guam flags while the 36th Wing and Guam Air National Guard flight stood at attention. The Guam Territorial Band played the Star Spangled Banner as Old Glory waved and those in uniform rendered salutes.
Barnes spoke on behalf of the 35th Guam Legislature to express gratitude for the U.S. armed forces and specifically for the local presence of the USAF and its strong ethos.
“‘Aim high: fly, fight, and win’ is more than just a saying,” said Barnes. “It is the belief that each and every one of you live by and is a testament to your character, dedication, commitment to protect our families, our island, and our nation.
“As your speaker of the most patriotic place in this country, I would like to wish the United States Air Force a blessed birthday as you celebrate 72 wonderful years of being the brightest, courageous Airmen. Si Yu'os Ma'åse' [thank you] for your service and God bless the United States of America, God bless our beautiful island of Guam, and most especially, God bless the best branch of the United States armed forces, the United States Air Force.”
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.16.2019 07:09 |
| Story ID: | 347799 |
| Location: | GU |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 72 years and going strong, by SSgt Ryan Brooks, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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