Coast Guard
The Flag of the United States Coast Guard is an emblem used by the United States Coast Guard to represent the organization and its missions. The flag consists of a white field with a dark blue Great Seal of the United States in the center, encircled by the words “United States Coast Guard” and “Semper Paratus” (which means “always ready” in Latin) in dark blue letters. Above the seal is a dark blue eagle, and below the seal is a dark blue anchor and chain.
The Coast Guard flag was first created in 1799 and has undergone several changes since then. The current design was officially adopted in 1964. The flag is flown on all Coast Guard vessels and at all Coast Guard installations. It is also used in ceremonies and events that involve the Coast Guard. The flag represents the organization’s dedication to service and readiness.
Distinguished Design & Symbolism
- Rich History: The U.S. Coast Guard Ensign flag features a distinct and historic design, steeped in tradition. It’s a symbol that has proudly represented the Coast Guard’s authority and commitment since the late 18th century.
- Symbolic Elements: The flag showcases a vertical blue stripe alongside a field of white, interspersed with 16 vertical red stripes. The blue represents the Coast Guard’s maritime authority, while the 16 stripes signify the number of states in the Union at the time of the flag’s inception.
- Centerpiece Emblem: At the heart of the flag lies the prominent Coast Guard emblem, a mark of the enduring spirit and dedication of the service and its members.
Embark on a symbolic journey with the U.S. Coast Guard Racing Stripe Flag, a distinctive emblem of rapid response and vigilant protection. This flag proudly features the iconic racing stripe design, synonymous with the Coast Guard’s swift and decisive action in safeguarding our nation’s waters. The bold red bar, flanked by narrow blue and white stripes, symbolizes the strength, courage, and unwavering commitment of our Coast Guard personnel. Ideal for displaying in ceremonial settings or as a mark of respect by veterans and active members, this flag serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and readiness that define the United States Coast Guard.
The flag of the United States Army is a powerful symbol of the organization and its core values. The design consists of a blue field with a central emblem featuring a white star surrounded by a wreath of laurel. The star represents the Army itself, while the wreath symbolizes its achievements and honors. The blue background represents loyalty, vigilance, perseverance, and justice, all of which are values that the Army seeks to embody in its service to the nation.
The current design of the Army flag was adopted in 1956, although the flag has undergone several changes throughout the organization’s history. The first official Army flag was created in 1775 and featured a rattlesnake on a yellow background with the motto “This We’ll Defend.” The Army has also used flags with the national coat of arms, the seal of the War Department.
U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) also known as the (“Screaming Eagles”)Established in 1918, the 101st Division was first constituted as an airborne unit in 1942. During World War II, it gained renown for its role in Operation Overlord (the D-Day landings and airborne landings on 6 June 1944, in Normandy, France); Operation Market Garden; the liberation of the Netherlands; and its action during the Battle of the Bulge around the city of Bastogne, Belgium.
Marines
The United States Marine Corps flag is a symbol of the Marines’ proud history and tradition. The flag features the Marine Corps emblem, which consists of an eagle, globe, and anchor. The eagle represents the nation, the globe represents the Marine Corps’ worldwide presence, and the anchor represents the Marine Corps’ naval traditions. The flag also features the words “United States Marine Corps” and “Semper Fidelis,” which is the Marine Corps’ motto, meaning “always faithful.”
The flag has been used by the Marine Corps since 1939 and is flown at all Marine Corps installations and events. The flag is also used to honor fallen Marines and is presented to their families during a military funeral. The Marine Corps flag is a symbol of the sacrifice, courage, and dedication of the Marines who have served and continue to serve the United States.
The Marine Corps Seal Flag differs from the regular United States Marine Corps (USMC) flag primarily in design and symbolism, each representing different aspects of the Marine Corps’ heritage and values.
Marine Corps Seal Flag:
- The Marine Corps Seal Flag predominantly features the official Marine Corps Seal. This seal was adopted in 1955 and includes the bald eagle (representing the United States), a globe (signifying worldwide service), and a fouled anchor (symbolizing maritime traditions). The seal is usually set against a white background.
- This flag is more formal and is often used in official settings, ceremonies, and Marine functions. It symbolizes the Marine Corps’ official authority and its role as part of the Department of Defense.
Regular USMC Flag:
- The regular USMC flag, known for its striking scarlet background, prominently features the Marine Corps emblem with the eagle, globe, and anchor. Above the emblem, the flag bears the motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).
- The bold red color of the flag is significant; red and gold are the official colors of the Marine Corps, symbolizing courage and valor.
- This flag is widely recognized and is commonly used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal, such as parades, Marine Corps establishments, and by individuals to show support and pride for the Marine Corps.
In essence, while both flags celebrate the Marine Corps’ rich tradition and bravery, the Marine Corps Seal Flag is typically associated with more formal, official representation of the Corps, whereas the regular USMC flag with the red background is a broader symbol of Marine pride and valor, used widely in various contexts.
Navy
The flag of the United States Navy is a symbol of pride and honor for the sailors who serve under it. The current design features a dark blue field with a depiction of the American bald eagle, perched on top of an anchor and holding a banner in its beak. The eagle’s wings are outstretched, and it is surrounded by 13 white stars, representing the original colonies. The anchor symbolizes the Navy’s maritime tradition, and the eagle represents the Navy’s dedication to protecting and defending the United States.
The flag has a rich history, with various designs used throughout the Navy’s existence. The current design was adopted in 1959, but the use of eagles and anchors on Navy flags dates back to the American Revolution. The flag is flown on ships and at naval facilities around the world, and it serves as a symbol of the Navy’s commitment to defending American interests.
The U.S. Navy Seabees, known for their motto “We Build, We Fight,” hold a distinguished place in military history with their unique combination of construction and combat skills. Originating during World War II in 1942, the Seabees (from “C.B.”, the abbreviation for ‘Construction Battalion’) were formed to meet the unprecedented demands of building bases, airstrips, roads, and other infrastructural projects in war zones. These skilled craftsmen and engineers not only built critical infrastructure in the face of combat but also bravely defended it. The Seabees’ insignia, featuring a fighting bee with a hammer, wrench, and Tommy gun, aptly encapsulates their dual role of building and fighting, symbolizing their resourcefulness, resilience, and crucial contribution to the Navy’s mission across the globe. Their legacy continues today, as they play an essential role in both peacetime construction projects and military operations, embodying their famous slogan, “Can Do!”
Airforce
The flag of the United States Air Force is a blue field with a depiction of the official seal of the Air Force in the center. The seal consists of a bald eagle with its wings spread, clutching three arrows in its talons, and a shield with 13 stars and 13 stripes on its chest. The eagle is surrounded by white clouds and a blue outer circle with the words “United States Air Force” and “1947” in yellow letters. The flag was officially adopted by the Air Force in 1951 and serves as a symbol of the branch’s history and mission.
The flag is flown on all Air Force installations and during official ceremonies and is also displayed at the offices of high-ranking Air Force officials. The flag is also used in conjunction with the color guard during parades and other public events. In addition to its ceremonial role, the flag serves as a reminder of the Air Force’s commitment to protect the United States and its interests.
Space Force
The Flag of the United States Space Force is the official emblem of the newest branch of the United States military, the U.S. Space Force. The design of the flag features a dark blue field with a silver delta symbol, which represents the three core values of the Space Force: “integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.” The delta is surrounded by two clusters of white stars, which symbolize the night sky and the Space Force’s mission to protect American interests in space.
The flag also includes a stylized version of the Space Force seal in the center of the delta symbol, featuring an eagle with outstretched wings, a globe with a polar projection, and an elliptical orbit around the globe. The flag was officially unveiled on May 15, 2020, and is flown at all U.S. Space Force installations, including the headquarters at the Pentagon.
POW / MIA
The National League of Families POW/MIA Flag is a symbol used in the United States to honor prisoners of war (POW) and service members who are missing in action (MIA). The flag features a white disk bearing in black silhouette a man’s bust, a watchtower with a guard on patrol, and a strand of barbed wire; above the disk are the words “POW/MIA”, and below it is a black and white wreath above the motto “You Are Not Forgotten”.
The flag was created in 1971 by the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, a group that was formed during the Vietnam War. The flag was designed by the wife of a POW/MIA serviceman and quickly gained widespread support. The flag is flown by the federal government on certain days and is also flown by private citizens and organizations to show support for POW/MIA personnel and their families.
