Birthday of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard.pdf
WHEREAS, on August 1, 1907, the United States Army Signal Corps created an Aeronautical Division to take "charge of all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines and all kindred subjects."; and
WHEREAS, the National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the Air Force as its own separate and equal branch of the Armed Forces on September 18, 1947 creating the Air National Guard as a reserve component of the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Air National Guard can trace its origins back to March 15, 1948 with the establishment of the 156th Fighter Squadron; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina has nearly 10,000 men and women proudly serving our nation as Airmen on either active duty, reserve status, or in our Air National Guard; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is the proud home of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, Pope Army Airfield in Fayetteville, and the North Carolina Air National Guard bases in New London and Charlotte; and
WHEREAS, the United States Air Force and Air National Guard play a critical role in defending our nation's skies and ensuring our continued freedom; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina proudly recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by our outstanding Airmen, and desires to recognize that service in keeping our reputation as one of the most military-friendly states in the nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 18, 2021, as the “BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AND AIR NATIONAL GUARD” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.