U.S. Air Force Celebrates 70th Anniversary as Pasadena Mayor, Four Star General Cut Birthday Cake

The United States Air Force kicked off its 70th birthday party on Friday in Pasadena with Mayor Terry Tornek and a four-star Air Force general cutting a birthday cake in a public celebration that continues through Sunday afternoon in the Convention Center.

The “Live on Green” free family festival offers New Year’s weekend activities in a different vein than the floral kind. The festival’s Air Force birthday celebration reportedly displays the most comprehensive collection of Air Force technology and advanced military defense systems ever shared with the public at one event domestically.

The Air Force even brought over a F-35 Lightning II Jet and an F-22 flight simulator.

Mayor Tornek welcomed the U.S. Air Force to Pasadena.

“It’s really unique for us this year to have the honor to help celebrate the 70th anniversary of the creation of the United States Air Force,” Tornek said before he joined Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General Stephen Wilson in cutting the cake. “Those of us who have had the privilege to serve in some elected capacity in local government recognize that all the freedoms that we take for granted in this country are really the result of what these people here in uniform do for us every day.”

For General Wilson, who came all the way from U.S. Air Force headquarters at the Pentagon, it is the dedication of the men in the Air Force that counts most.

“What’s really incredible is our airmen,” Wilson said. “As you go and talk to our airmen and you listen to them, and you see the enthusiasm, the dedication, the commitment, their service to their nation, is what makes us overly proud.”

Wilson also took note of the fact that many Pasadena and Southern California residents are serving in various capacities with the Air Force, either in domestic bases or overseas.

“Whether it’s in space, whether it’s been in the Middle East, or whether it’s been with our joint partners – our Army, Navy, Marine brothers and coalition partners – your America’s air force is always there,” Wilson said.

On Monday, the U.S. Air Force Total Force Band, composed of about 105 airmen-musicians, will be among about 20 marching taking part in the Rose Parade.

Through Sunday afternoon, the U.S. Air Force will showcase modern equipment, aircraft, weapons and the technology that accompanies its missions in all parts of the world at the Live on Green event.

Daily, teams from the Air Force Honor Guard will also be performing drills, at least once in the morning and another in the afternoon, for the audience at the Convention Center.

Visitors will have the opportunity to test their skill in various challenges and learn what it takes to become an airman. They can see what happens in the Air Force Performance Lab, fly an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), see the F-35 Lightning II Jet, and an MQ-1 up close, and climb into Rapid Strike for the ride of a lifetime during a simulated mission aboard an F-22.

Live on Green, a free family festival, is taking place for the second year now, and celebrates the iconic Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Visitors can explore more than 100,000 square feet filled with the sounds of music from the Let Us Entertain You Stage, laughter from Toddler Play Area, an indoor beach volleyball court and the Los Angeles Rams’ run, pass and punt inflatable obstacle courses all found in the Coaches’ Challenge Family Fun Zone.

For more information about Live on Green, visit www.liveongreenpasadena.com.