Blog

Just as the U.S. military forces conduct themselves in an orderly fashion, so too does a military flag display follow a strict set of rules and order. When flags from each military branch are carried in a horizontal line formation during a parade or flown from a five-flagpole display, the flags must be flown in a certain order. The proper military flag order was prescribed on October 31, 1977, by the U.S. Department of Defense Directive 1005.8. It states that from left to right, the prescribed peacetime military branch flag order is: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

The History Behind the Tennessee Flag Design

The History Behind the Florida State Flag Design

The History Behind the Ohio State Flag Design

With its 13 stripes, its 50 stars and its red, white and blue color scheme, the American flag is an iconic symbol of freedom, unity and patriotism. While the basic design elements of the U.S. flag have remained constant since its inception, there have been 27 different versions of the American flag during its 244-year history, with the majority of those changes accounting for stars being added to the flag’s blue field as new states were added to the Union.

Every year on February 23, we recall the anniversary of U.S. military service members raising the American flag on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The U.S. military sought occupation of Iwo Jima because it was strategically located about 750 miles southeast of the main island of Japan and could be used as an aircraft base for launching air raids on Japan’s main island.

The day that was originally set aside to honor our nation’s first president George Washington has now become a federal holiday that honors Washington, Lincoln and, some might say, all of America’s historical leaders. The history of the transition from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day spans more than 200 years. Learn how Presidents Day came to be.

The History Behind the California Flag Design

The History Behind the Georgia Flag Design

The History Behind the Texas Flag Design

Each year on December 7, Americans observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor the 2,400 U.S. military service members and civilians who died during the Imperial Japanese Navy and Air Force’s attack on Pearl Harbor. In addition to the casualties incurred during the Pearl Harbor attack, more than 1,000 Americans were injured that day.

The History Behind the N.C. Flag Design