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U.S. Air Force Birthday

History · Commemorative · September 18

The birthday of the U.S. Air Force, the branch of the armed forces built around airpower, and a moment to thank the Airmen who serve in it.

U.S. Air Force Birthday falls on Saturday, September 18, 2027. That is 326 days away.

The U.S. Air Force is the branch of the American armed forces built around airpower. Its birthday is a moment to recognize the service and the people in it, who are known as Airmen whatever their job or rank.

Most people picture a fighter jet first, and those are part of the story. The rest is wider than it looks from the ground. The Air Force flies cargo planes that carry troops, supplies and relief aid over long distances. It flies tankers that refuel other aircraft in midair, so a plane can stay aloft far longer than its own fuel would allow. Behind every flight are mechanics, air traffic controllers, weather forecasters, medics, cooks and many others whose work rarely makes the recruiting posters.

The day tends to be marked quietly. Bases may hold ceremonies or dinners, and veterans often share photos from their service years. Families with someone in uniform send messages to stations near and far. For everyone else, a simple thank you to an Airman, active or retired, lands well.

If you live near an air base or an aviation museum, you may be able to see some of these aircraft up close. Many museums display retired planes you can walk around, and the size of a cargo plane parked indoors tends to surprise people. Standing under one, it is easier to understand how much coordination it takes to keep something that large in the sky and on schedule.

Ways to celebrate

• Send a thank you note to an Airman or Air Force veteran you know.
• Visit a local aviation museum to see retired Air Force aircraft.
• Ask a family member who served about their Air Force job.
• Display an American flag at home.
• Read about how midair refueling works.

Dates

All national days on September 18

Also on September 18

• National Cheeseburger Day
• National Dance Day
• First Love Day
• Locate an Old Friend Day

Categories: History daysCommemorative days