Carrot Top

The original US Army flag was made of white silk and measured 4 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 6 inches. The flag featured the national colors of red white and blue with the official war seal, in blue, in the center of it. Beneath the seal the words “United States Army” are written in white, on a scarlet scroll, and the year 1775 is written in blue below the scroll. The original War Office seal was authorized by the Continental Congress on May 8, 1779.

The US Army flag seal features a cannon in front of a drum with two drumsticks; below the cannon there are three cannon balls, a mortar on a trunion and below the mortar two powder flasks. In the center of the US Army flag seal is a Roman breastplate over a jupon (leather jacket). Above the breastplate rises a plain sword with the pommel and guard supporting a Phrygin cap between an esponton (pike). It has a organizational color on one side and a musket with a fixed bayonet and the national color on the other side. Above is a rattlesnake holding in its mouth a scroll inscribed, ‘This We’ll Defend.’

The Phrygian cap is the traditional symbol of liberty.

The flag was designed by the Heraldic Branch Office of Research and Engineering, Office of The Quartermaster General. Work on the flag began in July 1955, when the Secretary of the Army expressed a desire for a flag representing the army. Several flags were designed and this one was selected by Secretary of the War Brucker. The flag that Vice President Nixon presented to Secretary Brucker was hand embroidered by women needle workers at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot.

The flag has 175 streamers, each 2 3/4 inches wide and 4 feet long, attached to the staff. Embroidered on each streamer is the year (s) of each campaign. The streamers represent the number of campaigns the US Army has fought during the country’s history. However, the campaign in Iraq is not included in the 175 number. The idea of using streamers originated in the US Civil War. The practice was stopped in 1890 and revived in 1921.

The gun salute system of the United States has changed considerably over the years. In 1810, the “national salute” was defined by the War Department as equal to the number of states in the Union–at that time 17. This salute was fired by all U.S. military installations at 1:00 p.m. (later at noon) on Independence Day. The President also received a salute equal to the number of states whenever he visited a military installation.

In 1842, the Presidential salute was formally established at 21 guns. In 1890, regulations designated the “national salute” as 21 guns and redesignated the traditional Independence Day salute, the “Salute to the Union,” equal to the number of states. Fifty guns are also fired on all military installations equipped to do so at the close of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect.

Today the national salute of 21 guns is fired in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the President, ex-President and President-elect of the United States. It is also fired at noon of the day of the funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect.

Gun salutes are also rendered to other military and civilian leaders of this and other nations. The number of guns is based on their protocol rank. These salutes are always in odd numbers.

Flags are provided for burial services of service members and veterans. The flag for one who dies on active duty is provided by one’s branch of service. Flags for other veterans are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The flag is presented to the next of kin at the end of the funeral, usually by the military chaplain. If there is no next of kin present, the flag may be presented to the veteran’s close friend or associate if requested. You may want to place the flag in a flag case to keep it preserved and to display it properly.

The flags that have draped the caskets of the Unknown Soldiers are on display in the Memorial Display Room of the Memorial Amphitheater.

Memorial Day is coming up this month. During this holiday many festivities across the country will occur. What started as a day to honor those who died during service in the military forces has evolved to a day in which we honor anyone close to us who has passed away.

It is on this day that many families will visit cemeteries to pay their respects to a loved one. When visiting a loved one’s grave, it is the grave marker that serves as a focal point and a lasting tribute when we communicate our thoughts and feelings to that person. If the grave space has not yet been marked with a grave marker, now is the time to make plans to order one.

Another focal point on Memorial Day, is the Cemetery Marking Flag that is placed by the headstone.

Presidential Memorial Certificate is a parchment certificate with a calligrahpic inscription expressing the nation’s grateful recognition of an honorably discharged, deceased veteran’s service in the Armed Forces. The veteran’s name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President.

Next of kin, other relatives and friends may request the certificates in person at any VA regional office or by mail.

Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a burial flag. The funeral director can make the arrangements. The flag may be used to cover the casket and it is presented to the family as a keepsake.

The local office of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs can also provide information on the procedure for obtaining a flag for a deceased veteran.

Have you ever noticed how the color guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Did you think it symbolized the original 13 colonies? It actually represents something different.

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great, have been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat.

From the US Air Force Academy

Did you know that you can purchase a flag that has been flown over the Capitol? You can even specify that you want one that was flown on a certain day.

You can purchase one of these flags by getting in touch with your Senator. Click here to find your Senators’ websites and this is where you will find the order information.

You will also receive a certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol with each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3′ x 5′ or 5′ x 8′ in fabrics of cotton and nylon.

The flag is not actually worn backwards. When sewn on military uniforms, the flag is placed on the right shoulder. This gives the effect that the flag is flying in the breeze as the service person moves forward. More information and specific documentation on the proper use and placment of all military patches and flags on military uniforms is readily available; refer to Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.”