Did you know the U.S. Army has an official flag? Featuring the War Office Seal against a white background with a horizontal banner reading “United States Army,” it’s a simple yet attractive design that’s become synonymous with this branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Even if you’ve seen the U.S. Army flag, however, you might be surprised to learn the five following facts about it.
#1) Adopted on June 12, 1956
The U.S. Army flag was adopted on June 12, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In Executive Order 10670, President Eisenhower approved the use flag’s usage for the U.S. Army. “By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, I hereby approve such flag as the official flag of the United States Army,” wrote President Eisenhower.
#2) Symbolizes Defense and Strength
With its focus on the War Office seal, the U.S. Army flag symbolizes defense and strength. The War Office seal, of course, has been around for centuries. It was designed in 1778 for use in the American Revolution. The War Office seal is a symbol of defense and strength, so it carries these values to the U.S. Army flag, which features the same War Office seal in the center.
#3) Denotes the US Army’s Origins
In addition to symbolizing defense and strength, the U.S. Army flag denotes the U.S. Army’s origins. Directly below the red-and-white banner reading “United States Army,” you’ll see “1775.” Why is this important? Well, 1775 isn’t just a random date in our country’s history; it’s the year in which the U.S. Army was officially formed.
#4) The Army Didn’t Have a Flag
Prior to 1956, the U.S. Army didn’t have a flag. The U.S. Army, in fact, was the only branch of the country’s Armed Forces that didn’t have an official flag. This prompted President Eisenhower to adopt an official flag for the U.S. Army. Since them, the U.S. Army has continued to proudly display and use this flag.
#5) Fly Alongside the American Flag
You don’t have to choose between flying the U.S. Army flag or flying the American flag. It’s perfectly fine to fly both flags — and you can even fly on the same pole. With that said, the American flag should always be flown higher than any accompanying flags on the same pole. In other words, you should raise the American flag to the top of the flagpole while placing the U.S. Army flag directly below it.
