The U.S. Postal Service honored the Air Force during a Pentagon ceremony on Dec. 5, 1996, to unveil the design of the first-ever commemorative postage stamp highlighting the nation's youngest military service. The stamp recognizes the Air Force's 50 years as the world's premier air and space force. The stamp is an image of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Thunderbirds perform precision aerial maneuvers at air shows throughout the world to demonstrate the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft. The Postal Service will issue and begin selling the stamp on Sept. 18, 1997.
U.S. Department of Defence
Taken on 5 December 1996
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