How much do you know about the flags of the United States Armed Forces? Would you be able to identify each one on a moment's notice? Among other symbols and insignia that are displayed periodically, flags are flown on various occasions and on ships, bases, camps, military academies, as well as personally at home. Each flag has its own story to tell and carries special meaning when proudly flown on stormy, as well as calm days.
Let's begin with the flag of the United States Army for on June 12, 1956, the 181-year-old U.S. Army adopted its first official flag. A replica of the War Office Seal appears on a white background with the inscription "United States Army" underneath. "1775" is the year in which the Continental Army was created with the appointment of General George Washington as Commander-in-Chief.
The flag of the United States Marine Corps was adopted on January 18, 1939, although Marine Corps Order 4 had established scarlet and gold and the official colors of the Corps as early as 1925. A centered Eagle, Globe, and Anchor appear on a red background, with a streaming banner underneath bearing the words "UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS" in red lettering.
The flag of the United States Navy was officially authorized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on April 24, 1959 and was formally introduced to the public on April 30, 1959 at a ceremony at Naval Support Facility Carderock in Maryland. The U.S. Navy flag consists of the seal of the U.S. Department of the Navy in the center, above a yellow scroll inscribed "United States Navy" in dark blue letters, against a dark blue background.
The flag of the United States Air Force was officially adopted by President Harry S. Truman on March 26, 1951. The U.S. Air Force Flag displays the coat of arms, 13 white stars and the Air Force Seal, on a blue background. The 13 stars represent the 13 original colonies, the three star grouping at the top portray the three Departments of the National Defense Establishment (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
An illustration in 1917 shows the Coast Guard standard as a white flag with a blue eagle and 13 stars in a semicircle surrounding it. Later, the words, "United States Coast Guard-- Semper Paratus" were added. The current flag of the United States Coast Guard was officially adopted on January 28, 1964.
Next time you are at an event where a joint service color guard is on parade or you pass by a flag waving beneath an American flag atop a flagpole in someone's front yard (perhaps a neighbor), pause for a moment in recognition of those who serve or have served in the name of America!
Proudly acknowledge...
"I know that flag!"
There flies a weathered flag
Waving proudly all day long
It stands for courage and honor
It stands for courage and honor
Of service mighty and strong
Swaying back and forth
It sings praises of glory
Serving south and north
I don't have to ask
Which branch does it serve?
"I know that flag"
As I smile with verve
As I smile with verve
I stand at salute
Stalwart indeed
For those who died
All who did bleed
'Tis for America
For you and for me
Each flag waves
O'er land and at sea
Always Support Our Troops!
For those who died
All who did bleed
For you and for me
Each flag waves
O'er land and at sea
Always Support Our Troops!
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