Thru golden skies has this eagle now sailed:
An Air Force turned fifty, and, too, this quill.
No! never one day has the great wing failed
To cover our shores from all who would kill
Liberty's bright dreams and fruits of her will!
Since wonder-filled years of model and lore,
Blue yonder has beckoned freedom to soar...
From scenes past to future, wind to the stars,
Challenge and task for a Nation's young soul,
From guarding our soil to floating near Mars,
Visions are sharpened per hands with a goal.
Arise with the best! Shall space be your role?!
Let head follow heart--these pages yet new!--
To America's eagle, proud Air Force Blue!
John C. Sparks