Nothing tops the American flag—literally. If you’re flying multiple United States flags, the country’s official flag should always sit atop your flagpole.
Closely underneath, though, are the proud, striking, and patriotic U.S. military flags that honor the men and women who have fought bravely for the United States for hundreds of years. A military flag reflects their dedication, their passion, and their sacrifice. Knowing about the history of U.S. flags can give you a deeper appreciation of their significance, and studying historical military flags gives you insight into their symbolism.
A Rich History
Military flags in various forms date all the way back to the Bronze Age, when flags were used as field signs during battle. They quickly emerged throughout the world, including Asia and Europe. Sometimes they replaced a city or country’s coat of arms as its defining symbol.
During the American Revolutionary War, military flags began to emerge in the fledgling nation. Before the United States became the United States, flags were carried in battle, including the Continental Colors and the iconic Gadsden flag, emblazoned with the famous words “Don’t Tread on Me.” U.S. military flags have continued to evolve but have always served as symbols of unity.
Throughout history, U.S. flags in various forms were used by the Marines during the early part of the 19th century and taken into battle during the Civil War. After the Civil War, the Marine Corps flag looked very similar to the American flag we know today. Historical military flags served their purpose, but now, each branch of the military has its own official flag with unique emblems, colors, and mottos.
U.S. Military Flag Design and Evolution
U.S. Marine Corps
The Marines have an interesting history with their flag. Early incarnations included images of an anchor and an eagle with time-specific mottos, such as “To the Shores of Tripoli,” in the first half of the 1800s. One post-Civil War flag also included an eagle, 29 stars, and “U.S. Marine Corps” stitched on a red stripe.
The official emblem of the Marines was adopted in 1868 to reflect its service on sea and land, with an eagle and a globe and the motto “Semper Fidelis.” Different regiments had their own historical military flags, such as the USMC Old Blue. Gold and scarlet were chosen for the official Marine Corps colors in 1925 and incorporated into the branch’s current flag design in 1939. These changes give us a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the history of U.S. flags in the Marine Corps.
U.S. Army
Surprisingly, the Army didn’t have any U.S. military flags until the 1950s. The modern Army flag sports a seal dating to the American Revolution with a rattlesnake atop and some interesting features, including a musket, snare drum, and bombshells. The history of U.S. flags saw a significant milestone when the flag was officially adopted in 1956.
U.S. Navy
Early naval boats flew the early form of the “Fly Me Flag” proudly, while others sported such emblems as a rattlesnake and pine tree. For 60 years, the Navy used an infantry battalion flag that was blue with a large anchor set in a white diamond.
The official Navy seal was designed in 1957 and incorporated into the official Navy flag in 1959. It’s a dark blue background with a yellow banner under a seal depicting an eagle protecting a ship in calm waters.
U.S. Air Force
In the history of U.S. flags, the Air Force’s official flag, which was approved in 1951, closely reflects the department’s official seal. Set on an ultramarine blue background, the Air Force flag includes the Force’s coat of arms and shield surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. Above the shield is an eagle with its arms outstretched to highlight three stars—the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This design indicates the unity found throughout the history of U.S. military flags.
U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard gives us another example of historical military flags. The only branch with two official flags (one flag and one ensign), the Coast Guard first carried a flag in the late 18th century that identified its members as law enforcement officers to enforce trade laws that sported red and white stripes and an eagle.
The history of U.S. flags shows that small alterations were made to the Coast Guard’s flag through the 20th century until the present version of the ensign, approved in 1964. The stripes are gone in favor of a striking white background, with a blue Great Seal of the U.S. and the words “Semper Paratus” and “1790.”
At Fly Me Flag, we are proud of the rich history of U.S. military flags. Please contact us if you’re interested in purchasing a historical military flag, a custom military flag, or any other kind of military flag.
