US Army flag

Have you seen the flag of the United States Army? It features a blue variant of the War Office Seal against a white background. Below the War Office Seal is a scroll with the words “United States Army,” followed by the year 1775. Some people assume that the U.S. Army Flag originated in 1775, but this isn’t the case. While the year 1775 is significant to our nation’s history, the U.S. Army flag didn’t appear until nearly two centuries later.

Origins of the US Army Flag

The U.S. Army flag was officially adopted on June 12, 1956. Prior to this period, the U.S. Army didn’t have a flag. The U.S. Marines, Coast Guard and other branches of the military had a flag. The U.S. Army was actually the only branch of the military that didn’t have a flag.

In 1955, Army Secretary Wilber Brucker proposed designs for an official flag. Brucker acknowledged the need for an official flag, which prompted him to seek designs. The U.S. Army ultimately came up with the flag’s design. As shown in the photo above, it features the War Office Seal with a scroll and the year 1775.

Why the US Army Flag Features the Year 1775

While the U.S. Army flag features the year 1775 displayed at the bottom, the flag itself wasn’t adopted until 1956. You might be wondering why the U.S. Army decided to include the year 1775 in the flag’s design.

The year 1775 is significant because it represents the beginning of the Continental Army. In 1775, George Washington formed the Continental Army. The Continental Army, of course, paved the way for the modern-day U.S. Army. Therefore, the year 1775 was included in the U.S. Army flag’s design.

Unveiling the US Army Flag

On June 14, 1956, the U.S. Army flag was unveiled to the public. The U.S. Army held a ceremony at the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, during which it unveiled the new flag. Reports show that the original U.S. Army flag displayed at the Independence Hall measured 4 feet and 4 inches by 5 feet and 6 inches.

Today, the U.S. Army flag is proudly displayed at military bases, businesses and residential homes. It still features the same design as it did in the past. While now available in different sizes, the U.S. Army flag features the War Office Seal along with the words “United States Army” and the year 1775. The year 1775 represents the year in which George Washington formed the Continental Army.

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.

• What do the designs on the Army Flag mean?
• Who designed the Army Flag?
• When was the Army Flag released to the public?
• How should I display my Army Flag with my American Flag?
• Where can I purchase an Army Flag?

What do the designs on the Army Flag mean?

The official Army flag consists of a white field with a blue symbol and red ribbon that reads, “United States Army.” Below that, the year 1775 is written in blue, which denotes the beginning of the Army. The blue insignia that takes up most of the flag is the central design of the original War Office seal. It depicts a roman cuirass (in the middle) which represents defense and strength. Other common Army weapon such as a sword, esponton, musket, cannon, and motor bombs are also present. The drum and drum sticks represent public notification and the Army’s role to serve and protect the nation. The Phrygian Cap within the symbol that is supported by the sword, also has the motto, “This we’ll defend,” written on a scroll coiled around a rattlesnake.

Who designed the Army Flag?

The Army flag of the U.S. was designed by the Heraldic Branch, Office of Research and Engineering, Office of The Quartermaster General. Research on background material was begun in July 1955 when a requirement for a United States Army flag was indicated by the Secretary of the Army. Several tentative designs were developed and from among these, the design as adopted was selected by Secretary of the War Wilber M. Brucker.

When was the Army Flag released to the public?

The U. S. Army Flag was adopted by President Dwight Eisenhower in June 1956, but prior to this the Army didn’t have a flag to represent the entire service. The Army Flag was dedicated and unfurled to the general American public on June 14th (Flag Day!) at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. That day also marked the 181st anniversary of the establishment of the Army by the Continental Congress in 1775.

How should I display my Army Flag with my American Flag?

If you are flying the Army and American flags on the same pole, the American flag should be on the top and larger than the Army flag. If you are flying them on different poles, the American Flag should be on the observer’s left and the Army Flag to the observer’s right. Please remember when flying your flags at night they should be illuminated. Please be sure to choose all-weather flags for outdoor use.

Where can I purchase an Army Flag?

The best place to purchase an Army Flag that is also 100% made in the U.S. A. is Star Spangled Flags. The flag is made of a heavyweight nylon which makes it strong and long-lasting. It has two rows of lock stitching and four rows of lock stitching on the fly end which prevents unraveling and fraying adding to its’ longevity. It is also treated to dry fast and resist sun and chemical deterioration keeping the colors strong against ultraviolet rays in the bright sunshine.