History of the US Army Flag

The history of the United States Army flag is a storied one, reflecting the evolution of the nation's military and its values. The official flag of the United States Army is known as the "Army Flag" or the "Army Colors," and it consists of a white field with the official U.S. Army emblem in blue at the center. Surrounding the emblem are 13 white stars in a circle, representing the original 13 colonies of the United States.

The origins of the Army Flag can be traced back to the Revolutionary War when the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, was fighting for independence from British rule. During this time, various regimental colors were used to signify different units and to serve as a rallying point for the soldiers on the battlefield.

On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army and adopted the "American Continental Colors," which featured thirteen red and white stripes. This design, with the addition of the Union Jack in the canton, represented a unity between the American colonies and Great Britain before the Declaration of Independence.

However, as the Revolutionary War progressed, the need for a distinct flag for the United States Army became evident. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the first official national flag of the United States, known as the "Stars and Stripes" or the "Grand Union Flag." This flag featured thirteen alternating red and white stripes and a Union Jack in the canton, but it also included thirteen white stars representing the thirteen states.

Over time, the number of stars on the flag increased as new states joined the Union. The flag continued to evolve and change, reflecting the growth and expansion of the United States. During the Civil War, various units of the Union Army carried unique regimental colors and battle flags, but there was no standardized national flag for the U.S. Army.

It was not until World War I that the Army adopted the design of the modern-day Army Flag as its official standard. On October 18, 1921, the War Department (now the Department of Defense) established the design for the Army Flag, which is still used to this day.

The Army Flag serves as a symbol of the United States Army's rich history, traditions, and values, and it is displayed on various occasions and ceremonies to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Army throughout its history.