FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The dining facility here held a special lunch and cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the 60th Birthday of the Air Force on Sept. 18.

The ceremony kicked off with an invocation from Maj. William Constantine, a chaplain with the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. The MC for the event was Master Sgt. Michael Gorman, 92nd Services Squadron, who followed Chaplain Constantine with a brief speech reflecting on the history of the Air Force, emphasizing the words of the first secretary of the Air Force W. Stuart Symington.

"After taking office, Symington said, 'From this day, when a powerful counter attack is America's only real answer to aggression, there can be no question that we need the world's first air force,'" said Sergeant Gorman.

Before the vice wing commander spoke, there was a moment of silence to remember those who have gone before us and to those who are currently deployed to far away lands in defense of our freedoms.

Col. Roger Watkins, 92nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander, began his speech by stating that in comparison to the other branches of the military, the United States Air Force is still a very young service but has accomplished much. He emphasized the importance of Air Power dating back to WWII, from the use of nuclear weapons on Japan to OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

"Our fellow Airmen are serving our country in those missions," said Colonel Watkins. "The Air Force is young, maybe, but combat inexperienced, not hardly."

Colonel Watkins ended his speech with some words for all of the men and women who still wear the uniform today.

"We truly serve in a unique field, being members of our United States Air Force, and it's really a great occasion when we can come together, hear some of our history and heritage and realize that we have limitless horizons," said Colonel Watkins. "All this is made possible by Airmen like you. Thank you for your service."

The event concluded with Colonel Watkins and Airmen Amy Perez, 92nd Services Squadron chef, ceremoniously cutting the Air Force 60th Birthday cake for everyone in attendance to enjoy.