I recall reading somewhere (I've browsed the albums, but to no avail) that the symbol of the Republic (which constists of 8 "parts") was transformed by Palpatine (?) to Imperial symbol, which consists of only 6 parts. This represented the destrucion of peace, freedom, ancient ballance, whatever.... bla bla bla
So why would Anakin's fighter bear this logo in the beginning of the movie? In the end - that's another story
