History behind U.S. symbols carried through generations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  (As the second in a series of "customs and courtesies" articles, this particular story focuses on the history of U.S. symbolism still used in the Air Force today.)

Symbolism plays a very large part to people around the world, with one of the most recognizable symbols at the heart of the U.S. government - the American flag.

Old Glory has represented the military strength, humanitarian charity and freedom in the eyes and hearts of people in nearly every nation since it was first meticulously stitched in the late 18th century. United under one flag, the early colonials developed a new identity for the nation that has now become one of the most formidable and prestigious countries today.

However, the U.S. uses symbols in nearly everything with meaning, whether something as noticeable as the Stars and Stripes or the patches worn on Air Force flight suits - representations for which service members have fought and died throughout generations.

"When you think of symbols overall, they're unifiers," said Casey Connell, 18th Wing historian. "Symbols are something we can look to in order to unify us and give us identity. They're a very important part of our culture."

This stands just as significantly for Air Force insignias and patches. Meticulously designed, each patch or symbol represents specific identity for each unit, squadron, group, Air Force specialty code badge, and so on, and deserve respect for the meaning they carry.

"Without question, [symbols] represent identity - especially unit patches," said Tech. Sgt. Melissa Schramm, Airman Leadership School instructor at the Erwin Professional Military Education Center. "Those folks are very, very proud of their accomplishments, their traditions and heritages, which ties into what our U.S. symbols represent, like the flag and bald eagle."

Schramm said one of the biggest symbols, however, is a figure that most people don't even realize. Each Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine is an icon and ambassador for the U.S. - especially while in a foreign nation.

"In our own right, we are symbols of the United States as well," Schramm said. "We represent each and every [American citizen] across the globe."

Schramm also went on to say that as ambassadors, service members should be mindful of their actions due to host nation sensitivities.

"Even though they're acting as an individual, they're still acting as a representation of every American. [American service members] who make poor decisions can give the rest of us bad names. You don't just represent your service, you represent all of us. We are one team - all of us. It doesn't matter what branch of service you're in."

Symbols lie in some of the most unexpected places. Respect for these unifying devices should be given, whether it's honoring Old Glory or the way each service member presents him- or herself both in uniform and out.