Did you know?

Officially appointed the “United States Air Force” birthday, today’s celebration was originally known as “Air Force Day” and was celebrated on 01 August. The idea of an “Air Force Day” was introduced on 1 August 1947 by order of President Harry S. Truman. It was created "in recognition of the personnel of the victorious Army Air Forces and all those who have developed and maintained our nation's air strength". August 1st was specifically chosen as the date for this holiday for historical reasons, being that at the time of its introduction, it celebrated the ruby jubilee of the 1907 establishment of the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps. The United States Air Force officially came into being after the signing of the National Security Act of 1947, with its first celebration being staged while still under the control of the United States Army. “Air Force Day” was last observed in 1949.

Today, the Air Force Birthday honors the modern United States Air Force on 18 September.