Airmen in Hawaii since the beginning

On July 4, 1960, Airman Second Class Johnnie A. Psencik from Smithville, Texas (the one in the back in the middle) raised the first official 50-star U.S. flag over the state of Hawaii. The flag was first raised at the easternmost point of the United States in Poland Springs, Maine, then flown to Hawaii where it was first raised at Hickam Air Force Base at a ceremony including the governor of Hawaii.

(click photos to enlarge)






Almost 50 years later, the former Airman returned to Hawaii with his wife to tour Hickam and got the opportunity to reenact this historic moment with Gov. Linda Lingle, who presented him a flag as a memento of his visit.

And the former Airman got to see firsthand, that as they did in his time, proud Airmen continue to stand watch over the Pacific.