Active members of the United States military wear American flag patches on their uniforms with pride, and each branch boasts its own seal. Whether you have family in the Army or Navy or want to learn more about the symbolism behind the individual emblems, the following guide offers information about each flag's details.

What Do the Army & Navy Flag Emblems Mean? 

Army

The official U.S. Army flag was dedicated on June 14th, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—the nation's birthplace. It has a white background with a blue insignia in the middle. The design originally served as the War Office seal and details a cuirass, which is a piece of body armor that ancient Romans wore on their torsos. This represents strength and the ability to defend. Weapons surround the top of this feature and include a sword, musket, and spontoon. 

A cannon, cannonballs, military drum, and flag flank the left side, while motor bombs and an American flag are depicted to the right of the emblem. The phrase “This we’ll defend” appears across the top within a rattlesnake. The bottom of the design features the words “United States Army” on a red sash with 1775 appearing below it in blue to represent the year the Army was created by the Continental Congress. 

Navy 

The U.S. Navy's flag features a memorable insignia on a dark blue background. The front of the design depicts a bald eagle and a ship that's out to sea behind it. The bird's outstretched wings indicate that it is protecting the vessel, which represents the branch defending the country's waters. “United States Navy” is written on a yellow sash across the bottom of the emblem. 

The flag's debut occurred in 1957, and it is referred to as the Department of the Navy Seal. Other designs have also been created for this military branch, such as the Infantry Battalion pennant in 1959. It features a lighter blue background and a white diamond center with a blue anchor inside it. 

Watch for more military flag information in future posts.  If you need to purchase a flag to show your pride and appreciation for our country's service members and veterans, turn to Harbortown Flag in Vermilion, OH. Harbortown Flag has been providing military and POW/MIA flags, as well as sports, nautical, state, and American flags to customers throughout the country for 28 years. They also offer discounts to military and civilian servicemen and servicewomen. Call (440) 967-3524 to speak with a friendly team member, and for flag etiquette & product information, visit online.  Please call in advance for an appointment during winter shutdown.