The United States Space Force Flag
US Space Force Flag Story
It’s no secret that flags are an important part of any country’s history, and the same is true for an organization—if they choose to have a flag. The United States Space Force was founded on December 20, 2019. The flag was revealed on May 15, 2020, during a ceremony at the Oval Office by the Chief of Space Operations John W. Raymond and the Senior Enlisted Advisor of Space Force SMSgt Roger A. Towberman. (Flag, n.d.)
The unique flag features a black field with the Space Force seal in the center. The seal has a globe overlapped with delta wings, the outline of an elliptical orbit, Polaris star, and star clusters. The seal itself is a symbol of honor that pays homage to Space Command and the USAF. (Force, n.d.)
The official flag is fringed in platinum. Beneath the seal “UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE” and “MMXIX” are branded in white lettering to indicate the name and origin year of service. (Flag, n.d.)
Like other service flags, the Space Force Flag aims to be a badge of honor and fortitude for this great nation. As Americans, we respect our flags and the traditions they symbolize. Let’s take a brief look at some other lasting and valued service flags to reinforce the importance of the Space Force Flag.
The United States Air Force was formed in 1947, and the flag was made official in 1951 by President Harry S. Truman. The flag is comprised of a coat of arms, 13 white stars, and the Air Force Seal on a blue base. The 13 original colonies are represented by the 13 white stars. The three departments of national defense (Air Force, Army, and Navy) are portrayed by the three stars at the top of the design. (Flags, 2018)
The Army flag was made official by President Eisenhower in 1956—before 1956 the Army was the only branch of the military to not have an official flag. The center of the flag features the Seal of the United States Army. An interesting note about the seal, up until 1947 it was called the War Office Seal. The seal has armor, a Phrygian cap, a snake, the motto “This We’ll Defend,” a cannon, musket, mortar, three cannonballs, and two bombshells. (Wood, n.d.)
There have been many iterations of the Marines flag over the years, but in 1954 President Eisenhower made the flag that is still current to this day official. The Marine seal features an American Bald Eagle, but previous versions depicted a Crested Eagle. The motto “First to fight,” is a common association with Marines. History backs up that motto—since its foundation the Marine Corps has not only been involved in every American war, but they have also been on the frontlines. (Marines, n.d.)
1951 saw the official designation of the Navy seal. The Navy flag features an eagle with its wings spread out wide—a nod to the Navy’s defense at sea. A circular rope surrounds the emblem in the middle of the flag, and the words “United States Navy” are written in blue lettering over a yellow scroll and battle streamers. (Navy, n.d.)
Bibliography
Flag, S. F. (n.d.). Space Force Flag. Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States_Space_Force
Flags, C. (2018, September 18). U.S. Air Force Flag History. Retrieved from Collings Flags: https://www.collinsflags.com/blog/archives/u-s-air-force-flag-history
Force, S. (n.d.). Space Force. Retrieved from https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/USSF-Symbols/
Marines. (n.d.). History of the Marine Corps Flag. Retrieved from United States Flag: https://www.united-states-flag.com/marine-corps-flag.html
Navy. (n.d.). The History of Military Flag Emblems - Armed Forces, Symbols, Themes. Retrieved from All Star Flags: https://www.allstarflags.com/facts/the-history-of-military-flag-emblems/
Wood, P. (n.d.). THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY: WHAT IT SYMBOLIZES. Retrieved from Partiot Wood: https://www.patriotwood.com/blogs/news/the-flag-of-the-united-states-army-what-it-symbolizes