The Flag of the U.S. Army

Since the 1700s, the United States Army has been an extremely valuable and necessary part of the United States of America. The Army’s principal duty is to fight in military occupation as well as battles occurring on land.

History of the U.S. Army

The earliest history of the United States Army began with the Revolutionary War when the United States fought for its independence from Great Britain. Up until this point, there was no structured and formal army in North America, but all thirteen of the colonies joined together and formed their band of soldiers. Today, there are over a million registered troops in the United States Army, and they continue to represent the strength, dedication, and bravery of the U.S. through their loyalty and selfless acts of service. The Army’s mission is to win the nation’s wars and obtain dominance over land and complete missions assigned to it by the Secretary of Defense and the president.

History of the U.S. Army Flag

Although the U.S. Army had been in existence since 1775, a flag was not designed and created to represent it until 1956. A petition for a flag was requested by Wilber M. Brucker, a politician who served as the Secretary of the Army for six years. The flag was needed for display at a joint service ceremony. The flag was officially unfurled and presented in August of 1956 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This day marked the 181st anniversary of the founding of the United States Army in 1775. The offices of the Chief of Administration, The Chief of Military History, and the U.S. Army Exhibit Unit worked together for the ceremony of unveiling the flag to the public.

Visual Appearance and Style

The U.S. Army Flag’s visual appearance and style have intentional and deep significance, and it is rooted in American history. The standard size of the flag is four feet four inches by five feet six inches, and it is displayed horizontally. The flag is made entirely of white silk, and a blue seal is featured in the center of the flag. This seal is the official design of the original War Office Seal. A red scroll is featured below the seal, reading “United States Army,” and “1775” is written below, representing the year of the U.S. Army’s formation. The U.S. Army flag features the same colors as the official flag of the United States of America; namely, red, white, and blue.

The War Office Seal

The War Office Seal has a history that dates to 1778, three years after the U.S. Army was founded. The War Office Emblem featured on the flag was developed later in 1947. The Seal was originally used for stamping official documents associated with the U.S. Army. The Seal itself features a crossed sword and musket with a Phrygian cap fixed between them. The barrel of a cannon and several cannonballs are also pictured, as well as a flagstaff and spearhead, all representing the instruments of war used by the Army. The central feature of the seal is the Roman cuirass, or breastplate and backplate clasped together into a whole. Above the armor and military tools the words “This We’ll Defend” are featured, surrounded by a rattlesnake, which was reminiscent of early colonial flags. All the symbols used in the U.S. Army flag are meant to show the ability and aptitude of the Army in serving the United States of America. The country will be served promptly and excellently, no matter what. The colors used in the flag, namely blue, red, black, and gold, are meant to illustrate other important American virtues, such as bravery, honor, loyalty, and remembrance.

Army Flag Streamers

The U.S. Army flag has another key special feature that makes it so unique. One hundred and eighty-nine battle streamers are affixed to the flag, representing all the campaigns in which America has served and fought throughout its history. They represent military importance and historical significance to the United States of America. The major campaigns attributed with the streamers attached to the flag include the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Indian War, Philippines and Korean Service, and much more. Through the streamers, the U.S. Army flag became a testament to America’s past campaigns and accomplishments throughout history that make the United States of America what it is today.

Flag Etiquette

The proper etiquette and treatment of the military flag are like that of the American flag. The U.S. Army flag is a symbol of the service, dedication, and sacrifice countless soldiers make every day serving our country, and the flag should be treated with honor and respect. The flag should not be flown upside down, and should never be drawn on or marked. The flag should not touch the ground, and it should be allowed to hang freely rather than held back. The flag is typically not displayed in direct combat.

 Conclusion

The U.S. Army flag has a timeless and powerful history. The United States Army is an incredibly valuable and necessary part of the United States of America and is filled with over a million current soldiers who risk their lives to protect their country. The flag of the U.S. Army is a testament to the campaigns, history, and accomplishments of the United States of America, and it should be treated with the utmost honor and respect.