US Air Force Flag

Since the earliest days of flight, United States military forces have been dedicated to protecting the nation through aviation. Just a few short years after the Wright brothers took off at Kitty Hawk, the original Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps was born in 1907. Though the name changed several times through the years, every effort was made to keep up with advancing aviation technology. Due largely to the aeronautical success in World War II, the U.S. Air Force became a separate and distinct branch of the military on September 18, 1947.

It wasn’t long before a new banner was needed to represent this fresh military branch. Harry S. Truman adopted the US Air Force flag on March 26, 1951 adding it to the other official military flags.

Designed in a similar style to the other military flags, the US Air Force flag features an ultramarine blue background. Some versions, typically used as part of indoor flag sets, are trimmed in gold fringe. The focal point of the flag is the U.S. Air Force coat of arms. A shield, to represent strength and defense, bears a set of wings and lightning bolts meant to indicate the ability to strike through air. A bald eagle, a common symbol of the U.S., which is especially poignant for an air-based organization, perches atop the shield in front of a cloud. A ring of 13 white stars surrounds the coat of arms and represents the 13 original colonies. Three is the stars are nestled inside the eagles outstretched wings, representing the separate but equal departments of the Army, Navy and Air Force which work side by side.

This grand representation of the proud history of the U.S. Air Force holds a special place in the hearts of part and present service members and their loved ones. Whether displayed publicly at ceremonies, parades and gatherings, or privately, made in USA flags are an ideal way to show pride in the Air Force and other military branches. US nylon flags are perfect for flying on flag poles year round, or on special occasions such as Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Or, include them in memorial flag cases quiet ways to remember a beloved service member.