WHEREAS, on September 18, 1947, the United States Air Force became a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces under the National Security Act of 1947, establishing an independent air service dedicated to defending our nation; and

WHEREAS, for 79 years, the United States Air Force has answered the call of duty in times of war and peace, defending our nation, supporting our allies, and advancing freedom and security around the world; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of active-duty Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and civilian personnel serve with the Department of the Air Force at locations across the world and are dedicated to maintaining the readiness, strength, and technological superiority of the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to thousands of Air Force active-duty, Reserve, National Guard, and civilian personnel and their families, who contribute significantly to our national defense and the Commonwealth's military community; and

WHEREAS, these service members and civilian employees support our national security and protect our freedoms at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the Pentagon, and other installations and facilities throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, we honor the service and sacrifice of generations of Airmen and celebrate the continued strength, professionalism, readiness, and endurance of the United States Air Force;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 18, 2026, as the 79th BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.