Clinton Salutes Air Force for 50 Years of Service

WASHINGTON —  President Clinton paid tribute to the Air Force on its 50th anniversary Thursday, telling hundreds of the service’s men and women: “You’ve made the world a safer place.”

On the heels of a series of military air crashes, Clinton came to the Pentagon’s sunny central courtyard to participate in a cake-cutting ceremony and bolster morale.

“You’ve made us more secure. You’ve made the world a safer place,” the president told hundreds of blue-garbed Air Force officers and enlisted men and women.

Referring to safety concerns, Clinton quipped he had no need for an escape pod on Air Force One, as portrayed in the current movie of that name.

“As long as the Air Force is flying me, I don’t feel the need for a way out,” Clinton said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

Although the military has been portrayed as having strained relations with a commander in chief who did not serve, none of that was evident during the celebration.

Sporting a sky-blue tie, Clinton took off his suit jacket and spent an extra 20 minutes pumping hands, posing for pictures and signing autographs with the appreciative crowd. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen also appeared with the president.

In other ceremonies marking the Air Force anniversary, top brass gathered at the proposed site of a tribute that would remain long after the day’s celebration--a major Air Force memorial across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital.

The dedication of the Arlington, Va., site, targeted for completion in 2000, capped a five-year effort to recognize airmen for their service.