The Hickam Honor Guard posts the colors at the start of the Air Force Ball at the Sheraton Hotel, Waikiki, Sept. 18. Sixty-two years ago, on Sept. 18, 1947, the Air Force was established as an independent service. Over the last six decades our legacy has been one of adaption, innovation and technological change on a constant quest to reach beyond our limits. On this day, it is appropriate to not only reflect upon this heritage, but to also look ahead, said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mark Bates)