A Tribute to PAF

Once again September winds blow across the land,

Once again the autumn leaves dance hand-in-hand,

Once again are rekindled, the memories of sixty five

And once again the golden PAF saga comes alive.

Borders had boomed with tanks and guns

To flout the peace around;

Stood for defence, our motherlandÕs sons,

To never give up their ground.

With resolve writ large on faces all,

PAF beckoned to the duties call-

To defend the skies Ôat peril of lifeÕ,

To blunt the enemyÕs blatant strife,

To keep vigil and let no threat

Bear on us, unchecked, unmet.

IAFÕs Gnats, Hunters, Mysteres

Were instilled with the gripping fears

To face our air warriorsÕ skills,

As the PAF scored so many kills,

In one go five Hunters were downed;

As Ôfighter-aceÕ Alam was crowned.

F-104s in rocketÕs style

Broke sound barrier in low profile.

Whether it was in East or West,

The Sabres passed their trying test,

Daring campaign of airfield strikes,

Left behind many burning sites;

Adampur and Halwara

Pathankot and Kalaikunda

None were spared the PAFÕs blow-

As B-57s had done their show,

The Lahorites in their own skies,

Saw a show, unmatched by kites;

Swooping on preys, ÔShaheensÕ had won,

The dogfight with their aerial guns.

Thus history will never forget,

The blood and toil and honest sweat,

Of valiant fliers who, in their gear,

Faced steepest tests, unknown to fear.

Their feats the history cannot hide,

They are the nationÕs loving pride.