HAPPY 73rd ANNIVERSARY CAP
December 1, 2014Civil Air Patrol NHQ
Dear CAP Officers, NCOs and Cadets,
I salute each of you on this special day, Civil Air Patrol’s 73rd anniversary. Each year on Dec. 1 we are reminded of the sacrifices of CAP’s earliest members, whose extraordinary contributions to America represent our proud legacy of selfless sacrifice and service to country and community. But never more than on this Dec. 1, just nine days away from a long-awaited ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in which CAP will receive the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of our very own World War II veterans from America’s Greatest Generation.
Organizing less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 that led to America’s involvement in World War II, these founding members of CAP were quick to answer the call of civilian service on the home front. They proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks on shipping along America’s coastlines and waterways. Their vigilance helped save lives and preserved our nation’s freedom.
The legacy of these brave and heroic men and women lives on today through each of you, the 59,000 citizen volunteers of Civil Air Patrol. Every day you too make a profound difference in your communities, saving lives through search and rescue and other emergency services and conducting aerospace education and youth programs that help develop our nation’s next generation of leaders, while also still contributing to our nation’s defense.
CAP has truly come full circle, today providing the same vigilant civilian service that our founders began on Dec. 1, 1941. Over the past 73 years, hundreds of thousands of other men and women – everyday heroes like you – have built on the foundation our World War II-era veterans set for us. Your contributions have helped CAP evolve into a world-class public service organization.
With the Congressional Gold Medal presentation approaching, it is a great time to be a member of Civil Air Patrol. Thank you for your service. … Now let’s celebrate. Happy 73rd Anniversary, CAP.
Semper Vigilans!
JOSEPH R. VAZQUEZ
Major General, CAP
National Commande
Link to Article on CAPVolunteerNow
