Tag Archives: Air Force Academy

The Sky’s the Limit: The Origins of the U.S. Air Force

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Our celebration of National Military Appreciation Month draws to a close today as we honor the U.S. Air Force—a crucial branch in our nation’s armed forces.

In 1997, the Postal Service celebrated the 50th anniversary of the United States Department of the Air Force. The 32-cent stamp features a photograph of four U.S. Air Force Thunderbird jets flying in diamond formation. To this day, the Thunderbirds perform at air shows across America.

The U.S. Army Air Corps became the United States Air Force in 1947. The Air Force is an important part of the military’s tactical warfare, offering its support to the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. On April 1, 1954, Congress authorized the establishment of the Air Force Academy, whose mission is “to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline; motivated to lead the world’s greatest aerospace force in service to this nation.”

Do you have a favorite military-themed post from the month? Let us know!

Honoring Our Military Academies

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The U.S. Postal Service has a tradition of honoring the nation’s military academies.  The Naval Academy, for example, was honored in 1937 (have you added the stamp to your collection?) and again in 1995 with this beautiful stamp:

In 2002, USPS issued this stamp to recognize the bicentennial of the United States Military Academy:

Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing a military academy at West Point, New York, in 1802. It was located at the site of a critical defensive position during the Revolutionary War. Holding West Point prevented the British from gaining control of the vital Hudson River Valley and dividing the colonies in two. Because of the importance of this location, George Washington declared West Point to be the key to the continent. The academy at West Point also featured on another stamp issued in 1937.

In 2004, USPS issued this stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Air Force Academy, whose mission is “to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline; motivated to lead the world’s greatest aerospace force in service to this nation.” A contemporary photograph of the Cadet Chapel appears on the stamp:

Join us all month as we recognize more of the contributions made by our nation’s military as part of National Military Appreciation Month. What subjects would you like to see highlighted? Let us know in the comments.