Sixty-nine years ago, the U.S. Air Force was officially designated as an independent service on Sept. 18, 1947. Today, the Air Force and the military community celebrates the enduring legacy and heroism of its daring airmen.

The Air Force’s top three commanding officers had this to say to their fellow airman:

To the Airmen of the United States Air Force:

Sixty-eight years ago, on September 18, 1947, Congress established our Air Force as an independent Service. Over the past six decades, American Airmen built a legacy of adaptation, innovation, technological change, and a perpetual quest to reach beyond our limits.

From 1947 to today, Airmen have accomplished our Service’s core missions with dedication and precision. Although the methods and means of employing airpower have changed, our charge to Fly, Fight andWin remains the same, as does the indomitable spirit of the American Airman.

We are truly inspired by each of the 660,000 remarkable members of our Total Force – Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Civilian Airman. Each of you faithfully answers your Nation’s call and is entrusted with our Service’s remarkable legacy. As we face today’s challenges, it is your drive and passion that will allow our Air Force to rise above those challenges. YOU are the reason we are – and will continue to be – the world’s greatest Air Force.

On this day, we celebrate our rich heritage and aspire to build an even greater Air Force for the future. We take great pride in serving alongside each one of you and invite you to join us in proudly celebrating the 68th birthday of the United States Air Force. As always, we sincerely thank you and your families for all that you do for our Nation every day.

Happy birthday, Air Force!

Deborah Lee James | Secretary of the Air Force

Mark A. Welsh III | General, USAF | Chief of Staff

James A. Cody | Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

If you know an active duty airman or an Air Force veteran, be sure to thank them for their service and observe this momentous day.