A logo stands for a lot; it’s a representation of how users identify with that brand or company.
The logo for the beer company Stella Artois is one of the oldest logos that has stuck around. The same horn that beckoned travelers in Belgium is the same horn that we recognize on Stella’s logo today.
Other companies like Twinings Tea, Shell Oil, and Levi Strauss are also some of the oldest and most famous logos which haven’t changed.
Emblems from government agencies like the Department of Defense logos have meaning and history as well. And some of the stories behind them are fascinating.
Do you want to know more about some of these secret meanings and logos? Scroll down to find out more!
1. The Air Force Seal
One of the most famous military emblems is the seal of the United States Air Force.
It wasn’t until the fall of 1947 that the first proposed emblems were drawn. And it was a conference of 30 top-ranking air force generals who considered the proposed one. But they weren’t entirely happy with the first draft.
They decided the background should be blue, rather than green. And instead of the Wright Brother’s airplane which was featured on the logo originally, the generals determined that symbolic design would be better.
In that same discussion, the artist, Mr. Arthur Dubois, picked up a pencil and flipped the design to sketch Jupiter’s thunderbolt as a proposed symbolic design.
They agreed, and the final design got approved by Truman just 2 months later.
Blue and gold, the predominant colors on the emblem, are also the colors of the Air Force and Air Corps.
The American Bald Eagle is a symbol of air striking power and the United States. The wreath incorporates the colors of the basic shield design, and the cloud formation portrays the creation of a new firmament.
The 13 stars on the Air Force seal represent the first 13 colonies of the United States, and the grouping of the 3 stars at the top depicts the 3 departments of the National Defense Establishment (Army, Air Force, and Navy).
The shield, which is divided with the nebuly line formation, represents clouds. It’s also charged with the thunderbolt, which exhibits striking power through the air.
The Department of the Air Force was established in 1947, which is what the Roman numerals beneath the shield indicate.
The eagle’s head, which turns to the right, faces the enemy. It also represents not dwelling on past deeds and looking toward the future.
2. The Department of the Army
Before they established the Army emblem, there was nothing to represent the Army. Up until that point, the seal was only used to authenticate documents and wasn’t authorized for display.
In 1974, the Secretary of the Army approved the design as the official emblem, as they realized the need to provide a symbol.
While the seal is black and white, the emblem is always displayed in color.
The seal inscription says, “War Office,” whereas the emblem description says, “Department of the Army.”
The American flag is on its own on the right side of the emblem. On the left side, the pattern of the Army was added to another flag.
They replaced the Roman numerals with the year 1775, which is the year that the Army was established.
The flags are in proper colors, and the other colors represent the ideals of the United States and the Army.
Red is indicative of courage, fortitude, and zeal.
Blue portrays vigilance, loyalty, truth, and perseverance.
White is symbolic of deeds worthy of remembrance.
Black denotes determination and constancy.
And gold represents dignity, honor, and achievement.
The Roman cuirass is a symbol of defense and strength. The sword that’s on the emblem, along with the bayonet, cannon, mortar, cannonballs, and mortar bombs are representative of Army implements.
The drumsticks and the drum are symbolic of public support and notification of the Army’s purpose and intent to serve the people of its nation.
The Cap of Liberty is supported on the point of an unsheathed sword, and it says “This We’ll Defend” on a scroll held by a rattlesnake. This represents the Army’s constant readiness to preserve and defend the United States.
3. The United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense emblem shows a bald eagle with its wings displayed horizontally while grasping 3 crossing arrows.
Above the eagle is an arc of 13 stars with alternating rays. The American bald eagle has long been associated with symbolism for the United States and its military establishment.
It’s an emblem of strength and has been for a long time. The eagle defends the United States on the emblem, which is represented by the 13 pieces on a shield.
The blue chief, which joins together the 13 pieces, represents Congress.
The stars and the rays above the eagle are symbolic of glory, and the 3 arrows are collectively symbolic of the 3 parts of the Department of Defense.
Lastly, the laurel represents honors received in combat while defending peace, which is what the olive branch represents.
Symbols in emblems are exciting. If you want to learn more about the way symbols have been used throughout history, read this to understand how military challenge coins are ranked.
Department of Defense Logos Have Historical Meaning
Just like most successful logos that make their mark on history, the Department of Defense logos are symbolic and introspective in their meaning and purpose.
The goal of any company, department, or business, is to create a logo that represents the brand and stands for something powerful or significant. Changing a logo should never be done unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The longer a logo is around, the more it solidifies its representation of the powerful product or organization that it represents.
