CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti –
Airmen celebrated the Air Force's 60th birthday with the grandson of the first Secretary of the Air Force and director of mobility forces in Camp Lemonier's Bob Hope Dining Facility for a cake cutting ceremony Sept. 18.
The honorary cake cutters were a symbol of this year's theme, Heritage to Horizons.
Representing the heritage was Ambassador W. Stuart Symington, U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti and grandson of the Air Force's first Secretary of the Air Force W. Stuart Symington III.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart, director of mobility forces for Central Command, Navy Rear Adm. James M. Hart, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander, and Air Force Col. John M. Crocker, 449th Air Expeditionary Group commander and Air Component Coordination Element director, signified the Air Force's Horizons as a joint team working together to serve the United States and also aid those in the Horn of Africa to promote regional stability.
Symington recognized some highlights of the Air Force's history and accomplishments.
"President Harry S. Truman launched the United States Air Force this day in 1947," Symington said. "He was a president whose well-earned fame for moral courage and high resolve is embodied in the phrase, 'the buck stops here.' That spirit lives on in the Air Force that has, for 60 years, made sure freedom always has air superiority over tyranny."
The ambassador also mentioned British-American poet and aviator John G. Magee Jr., who wrote the poem High Life. In it, Magee penned "I have slipped the surly bonds of earth."
"You have not just slipped bonds, you have broken them," Symington said. "Your Air Force was the first to ensure that discrimination would not erode our military strength from within. Over six decades, in every corner of the globe, when freedom called for help to break the bonds of tyranny your Air Force answered."
Symington said the Air Force has forged new bonds of hope.
"You have made a better future for countless millions," he said. "In thousands of relief efforts, in missions without number, you have kept the lamp of Liberty alight in hearts and hearths around the world. You gave hope to Liberty's allies and those who struggle for her; you sewed despair in those who would enslave her."
Symington was especially glad to be at the ceremony knowing how much the Air Force meant to his grandfather.
"The sacrifices and dedication of military servicemembers today is a reminder of how much Americans owe all those who devote their lives to defend freedom," he said.
Even though servicemembers sacrifice, there is a reason for their service. Stewart serves in the Air Force because the possibilities are limitless.
"I love being an Airman," the general said. "The Air Force is exciting to be a part of because Airmen have a unique perspective in attitude and in spirit. With our training and nature, the entire world is our area of responsibility. The Air Force has no obstacles."
Stewart said the proof of the fighting spirit can be found in the significant number of Airmen who swore to defend the United States after the Gulf War in 1991.
"They joined knowing what they were getting into," the general said. "Over the years since Desert Storm, everyone has joined to be an expeditionary combat Airman. That's a special thing."
Stewart said today's Airmen are more educated, technologically savvy and committed to the cause of serving America than ever before.
Whether fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom or protecting coalition interest in order to prevail against extremism, Airmen are dedicated to serving with their sister services and fighting for what they believe in.
"Our job is to defend our country and make sure terrorists don't succeed," Stewart said. "We're not intimidated. You will never defeat the United States as long as there are Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines."