“I feel the need…the need for speed!”

As I’m sure the iconic 80’s movie “Top Gun,” inspired a new generation of pilots and just awe inspired patrons and patriots, the United States Air Force was only founded 30 years prior to this on September 18th, 1947. It was during this time that the importance of airpower was needed for WW2. The result of this was President Truman signing into effect the National Security Act, which saw the formation of the pillars of the Department of Defense that we see and have today. This would consist of the United State Army, the Central Intelligence Agency, Navy and the introduction of the Air Force as an independent sector.

Though planes and air travel had been a thing since the early 1900’s, the United States Air Force was known under different names as well as being under the jurisdiction of the United States Army. In the 1980’s, stealth technology would be introduced along with the Kenny Loggins banger, “Danger Zone.” I wanted to share some history as well as some pop culture references into the introduction of this article. Honestly, just using anything to help celebrate the birthday of the United States Air Force. For without it, who knows where our country would be. I for one am happy to wish this amazing branch and the brave men and women who are either currently serving or who have served, or just if you know someone who has served a well-deserved happy birthday. A happy birthday to some of the most advanced and amazing technology in human history. A happy birthday to courage, to passion, to innovation, to freedom, to striving to be better than yesterday.

To help celebrate this occasion, The United States Flag Store has a variety of different flags that include both the official logo and flag of the United States Air Force, from stick flags all the way up to 6′ by 10″.

Car and Motorcycle Air Force Flags

Whether you are looking for a faithful companion to join you cross country or you are just looking to skirt across town to catch a movie and some ice cream, these small flags are a great way to show your Air Force pride.

Indoor 3′ x 5′ Nylon Air Force Flag with Fringe

A wonderful nylon flag with a beautiful gold fringe, this United States Air Force Flag is a great addition to the classroom, office or even to wave in the parade. Not to mention, it is made right here in the United States.

6′ x 10′ Nylon Air Force Flag

For the absolute behemoth of the bunch, made for the flag fanatic who has got the space and wants to really show that Air Force pride and fly their flag high, the 6′ x 10′ flag is it. Not for the faint of heart by any means, but this flag is wonderfully suited for indoors and outdoors, has sturdy brass grommets and is made with a heavyweight nylon. This flag is made with a lot of loving hands here in the United States.

Garden Flag

On the opposite end of the spectrum, for somebody just wanting to spruce up their landscape with some military appeal, the United States Air Force Garden Flag is suitable for doing just that. This flag comes in at 12″ by 18″, is made of nylon and has the official seal of the United States Air Force on it. Did we mention this one was made in the U.S.A. as well?

Space Force 3′ x 5′ Nylon Flag

And for those of us who have or had Netflix this last year, this next flag is probably associated with a gruff General named Mark Naird played by Steve Carell and his second in command, Chief Scientist, Dr. Adrian Mallory played by John Malkovich. While this is a fictional show, albeit a really good one, there really is a United States Space Force! It’s one of the most recent additions to the United States long list of departments and the world’s only independent space force. Being a part of the United States Armed Forces and Department of the U.S. Air Force definitely gets this flag a spot on our list. This flag comes in at the classic 3′ x 5′, is made out of Nylon and right here in the United States.

Just for fun

The CIA and the Air Force share the same birthday. They were both created with the National Security Act on September 18th, 1947.

The name for a pilot who has shot down 5 or more enemy aircraft is known as an “Ace.”

Airmen will welcome their new commander or celebrate a special occasion by smacking doors and windows and making noise on the roof. This is what is known as a “roof stomp.”

The Air Force was originally part of the U.S. Army, dating all the way back to 1907.

Some famous former members of the Air Force include comedian, George Carlin, musician, Johnny Cash, actor, Morgan Freeman and songwriter and performer, Willie Nelson.

The Air Force created a supercomputer known as the “condor cluster,” to analyze satellite imagery made out of 1760 Playstation 3’s. The Playstation 3 was a popular video game console that was available to the public at the time. This supercomputer is currently located in Rome, New York and is the 33rd most powerful computer in the world.

In honor of WW2 and Vietnam veteran, Brig. General Robin Olds, airmen will grow out their mustaches through the month of March. Gen. Olds was a triple ace, and this is referred to as the Mustache March.

The Air Force uses letters at the beginning of their aircraft that stands for the different type of craft they are, B means bomber, C stands for cargo and F for a fighter jet.

In Conclusion

We hope you found some interesting new tidbits of information and had as much fun reading as I did researching and writing this article. We also hope you found some new items to bust out on September 18th and beyond to celebrate this momentous occasion. To honor this great branch that holds all of its technological feats, time-honored traditions and full of spectacular people that have done wonderous things.

Whether you are a Goose or a Maverick, a General Naird or a Dr. Mallory, we hope that you will always continue to aim high and remember, “it’s just a walk in the park, Kazansky.”

The lazy days of cartoons, video games and trips to the beach are coming to a close for most young people. The diets of goldfish crackers, mountain dew and grilled cheese to be replaced with a more balanced one. The routines of an excited 6:30 a.m. wake up to watch YouTube, snack and sit on the couch will be transitioned into a dreaded 6:30 a.m. alarm to rush out the door, get to school and sit in a classroom, absorbing new information to be tested on later. And while the kids are lamenting this moment, the parents are popping the corks off their champagne bottles, celebrating another summer survived. A summer of entertaining, of finding babysitters during the day. Of attempting to keep their children engaged and learning new things. To make sure they still see their friends and keep their social levels up. And while parents cheer and their kids grumble, teachers are prepping their classrooms for the coming year. Afterall, they are the ones who have to not only keep the kids’ attention now, but to also have them gain an understanding on a multitude of topics. And while the United States Flag Store can’t make that alarm sound like a Bach symphony, we can help make the classroom a little more educational and fun. That’s why we put together a wonderful list of products that would be right at home in the classroom to assist in teaching the new generation of students. Let’s dive right in!

Back to School Supplies List for Teachers 2022: Office, Supply, Sales and Deals

1. Indoor Flagpole Kits

One of the first items on our docket is the Indoor Flagpole Kits. No classroom is quite complete without the iconic American flag. Whether it’s in the corner for the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning or for comparing to other historical flags in the afternoon, we got beautiful indoor American flags that will do the trick with a lovely gold fray that looks its best indoors. Also included in some of these kits are indoor bases, stands and flagpoles. You can get all these items individually, together in a full package or mix and match, your choice.

2. Aluminum Wall Bracket

I know these don’t sound the most exciting, but if your classroom doesn’t have the space or is set up to have a flag standing in the corner or elsewhere, these Aluminum Wall Brackets have got you covered. These brackets are made to hold a flag of up to 2′ x 3′ with a 1/4″ to 5/8″ diameter staff. They will display your flag at a 45-degree angle and even work great with stick flags.

3. Indoor State Flag Kits

And if you want to add even more customization and state pride to your classroom, we have Indoor State Flag Kits. These are going to be your best option for knocking everything out at once. These kits are highly customizable from using oak to telescoping flagpoles, gold and flat spears, the Texas Star, Parade ball and a variety of different eagle toppers to really show your flagpole off and give it its own unique look. These kits in particular do come with State Flags, but if you so happen to want one that may not be in stock, you can check out our full State Flags page to pick one out here and buy the Indoor Flagpole Kit without the Flag separate for the same effect and result.

4. 12″ x 18″ State and World Flags

Next on the list if you want something a little smaller and economical, our 12″x18″ State and World Flags are a very popular choice. From mock U.N. to congressional meetings to making learning a subject a little more immersive. If you happen to have a French or Spanish class to World History, these flags make great additions to add color, grounding and meaning to whatever subject is being taught.

5. 4″ x 6″ Set of All 50 State Flags

For even smaller flags that look great on desks, check out our 4″ x 6″ Set of all 50 State Flags. This is one of our most economical packages providing you with ALL 50 states. Make the Parade of States even more memorable and have the kids “flag,” you down to learn more about U.S. history and all 50 states.

6. Revolutionary War Flags

Speaking of United States history, The United States Flag Store has a ton of famous and recognizable Revolutionary War Flags. I know when I was a kid seeing the different flags that America had throughout its tenure and in its infancy, I always looked in awe. With the American flag being so iconic and seen throughout your life, it’s hard to imagine that there was once a time when the American flag that we see today wasn’t always that way. From the humble beginnings of the Betsy Ross Flag with its 13 five-point stars in a circle to the Grand Union flag with the Union Jack in the canton that served before that and to the lesser used “Don’t Tread on Me,” flags. There are some great choices here to add to your classroom.

7. Back to School Garden Flags

And finally, we have the Decorative Back to School Garden Flag. Perfect for setting up outside to welcome the students in your life back to a semester and session of learning. This decorative Back to School Garden Flag has a crayon shaped heart arranged in a rainbow-like fashion. It is beautiful, aesthetically pleasing and a wonderful way to greet the kiddos.

And with that, the bells are now ringing, and it is onto the next chapter we all go. So, in parting ways, I’ll leave you with a little sentiment to ponder and sit with. As this article has to do with learning and going back to school, I’ll stick with a cerebral concept and context. It’s an old proverb by philosopher Lao Tzu from Ancient China and it goes,

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”

Just like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup comes once every four years. The World Cup presents an opportunity for soccer teams (otherwise known as football outside the United States) to compete for a world title.

The World Cup came to be after Jules Rimet proposed an international football tournament after being inspired by the Olympic games. The first World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay. The inaugural tournament proved to be a success, but with a few issues, as only 13 teams were invited to play. Since then, teams took part in a qualification process to earn a spot in the World Cup. Nearly 90 years after the first World Cup was held, there are now 32 teams* who go to the World Cup to win the coveted World Cup trophy.

Each World Cup has football fans excited for their favorite teams. The World Cup is seen by billions of people each year, compared to the Super Bowl which is watched by millions. Flags and team jerseys for the countries are purchased, tickets purchased, and viewing parties. Tears of frustration and joy are shed along with shouts of both anger and happiness. The World Cup is more than just a game for many. It’s the event of a lifetime.

Did you know? FIFA stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French for International Federation of Football Association).

Most Successful: Brazil is the most successful team to have won the World Cup trophy five separate times.

Two Nations, One Games: The only World Cup that was held jointly by two separate countries was in 2002 in Japan and South Korea. They were also the first Asian countries to host.

*As of this writing, there is rumor that the number of teams will go up to 48 in 2022, allowing 16 more teams a chance to compete. If this does not take effect in 2022, then it would most likely take effect in 2026, the original scheduled team number increase.

-CD