Academy celebrates 50th anniversary

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Two honors were presented to the Air Force Academy on April 1 in a ceremony commemorating its 50th anniversary.

The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a commemorative 37-cent stamp, and the U.S. Department of the Interior bestowed the National Historic Landmark honor to the academy. It was 50 years ago when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Air Academy Act authorizing the academy to be built.

“This is a proud time to be at the Air Force Academy,” said Lt. Gen. John Rosa, academy superintendent. “The list of graduates (who) have passed through here over the five decades includes many of our nation’s finest leaders. As we take our academy to the next level of excellence, we can look forward to graduating many more in the years to come.”

The stamp honors the academy’s years of service to the nation. A photo of the Cadet Chapel is featured on the stamp.

William Johnstone, secretary of the U.S. Postal Service board of governors, said the image would go into the homes of America, symbolizing the values of the nation.

Retired Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, dean of the faculty from 1959 to 1968, attended the ceremony and said he was thankful he lived long enough to witness the anniversary.

“I find it thrilling that for over 50 years, cadets have taken advantage of what the academy offers,” General McDermott said.

Following the stamp unveiling, Craig Manson, assistant secretary of the interior for fish, wildlife and parks, signed the formal documentation declaring National Historic Landmark status for the academy’s cadet area because of its unique resources.

These resources include Arnold Hall, Harmon Hall, Fairchild Hall, Vandenberg Hall, the aerospace laboratory, planetarium, physical-education building, Cadet Chapel, Terrazzo, Court of Honor and the parade grounds, all of which were constructed between 1958 and 1968.