I've won the right to wear these Silver Wings

And see the many awesome sights of which the poet sings.

I've earned a place amoung the Gods of flight

Under the sun's and moon's eternal light.

 

Now I can join that group so proud

Who can look down apon a cloud

And find their way across unmarked space

Where for them alone there is a place.

 

I can now join that honored fraternity

Whose members look into eternity

Who fly beyond the fetters of Earth

And see at once, yesterday's death

And tomorrow's birth.

 

I stand today upon duty's threshold here

Where opportunity is shining clear

And know that what tomorrow brings

Depend on how I guide these Silver Wings.

 

(Marvin C. Peterson)

This poem was copied from the wall of the lecture hall at Mather AFB, CA. and is a courtesy of AFNOA.