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Statement by CIA Director Michael V. Hayden on Agency's 60th Anniversary
September 19, 2007
Those who founded the Central Intelligence Agency 60 years ago
understood they were creating something entirely new: a secret civilian
intelligence service, its place in government central, its judgments
free of departmental influence. They also knew the times demanded it;
Pearl Harbor was a recent memory, and the Iron Curtain a new reality.
America, no longer a reluctant player on the world stage but the Free
World's champion, faced global responsibilities and threats--and needed
a Central Intelligence Agency.
In 2007, it still does--more than ever. We confront a very different
range of challenges than our founders did, but we approach them with the
same expeditionary spirit, unrivaled expertise, and deep patriotism.
Eighty-seven stars on our Memorial Wall attest to the sacrifice and
resolve of our heroes from every generation, qualities that are a
constant in the life of the Agency. As CIA fights a new kind of
war--one that uniquely demands the resources and tradecraft of a
clandestine intelligence service--we do so confident that we uphold and
defend the values of our free society, to which we are fully accountable
as we strive to enhance its security.
This week, we are celebrating the achievements of the Agency through 60
years of service to our nation. Yesterday, CIA had the honor of
welcoming back to Langley a man who helped shape both the Agency's
history and that of our nation, former President George H.W. Bush. This
afternoon, we officially received our A-12 OXCART, the fastest,
highest-flying plane ever to take to the skies--and one of the greatest
technical achievements in the CIA's history.
Some 130,000 Americans in each of the past couple of years have applied
to join CIA. Sixty years out, we're more critical to the nation's
security than our founders, even with their wisdom and foresight, could
ever have envisioned.
Historical Document
Posted: Sep 19, 2007 12:07 PM
Last Updated: Jun 18, 2008 09:35 AM
Last Reviewed: Sep 19, 2007 12:07 PM