Meaning
The symbol has two main parts. In the upper half, the stylized wings represent the stripes of the enlisted force. They have been drawn with great angularity to emphasize swiftness and power, and they are divided into six sections which represent the USAF's core distinct capabilities — aerospace superiority, global attack, rapid global mobility, precision engagement, information superiority, and agile combat support.
In the lower half there are a sphere, a star, and three diamonds. The sphere within the star represents the globe and reminds USAF members of their obligation to secure the United States's freedom with Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power. The globe is also meant to remind USAF members of their challenge as an expeditionary force to respond rapidly to crises and to provide decisive aerospace power, worldwide.
The area surrounding the sphere takes the shape of a star. The star has many meanings. Its five points represent the components of the force and family—our active duty, civilians, Guard, Reserve, and retirees. The star symbolizes space as the high ground of the United States' aerospace force. The rallying symbol in all U.S. wars, the star also represents the officer corps, central to the USAF's combat leadership.
The star has been framed with three diamonds, which represent the USAF's core values—integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
The elements come together to form one symbol that presents two powerful images—at once it is an eagle, the emblem of the United States, and a medal, representing valor in service to the nation.
Read more about this topic: United States Air Force Symbol
Famous quotes containing the word meaning:
“I am quite serious when I say that I do not believe there are, on the whole earth besides, so many intensified bores as in these United States. No man can form an adequate idea of the real meaning of the word, without coming here.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
“The superman is the meaning of the earth. Let your will say: the superman is to be the meaning of the earth! I beseech you, my brothers, be true to the earth, and do not believe those who speak to you of otherworldly hopes! They are poisoners, whether they know it or not.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“Delusions that shrink to the size of a woman’s glove,
Then sicken inclusively outwards:
. . . the incessant recital
Intoned by reality, larded with technical terms,
Each one double-yolked with meaning and meaning’s rebuttal:
For the skirl of that bulletin unpicks the world like a knot....”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)