{"id":5418,"date":"2025-06-30T17:49:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T17:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/a-capitol-fourth\/?page_id=5418"},"modified":"2025-06-30T17:49:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T17:49:56","slug":"us-military-flags","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/a-capitol-fourth\/honor-and-serve\/us-military-flags\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Military Flags"},"content":{"rendered":"
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U.S. MILITARY FLAGS<\/span><\/h1>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n
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Each of the U.S. Military Service flags is a powerful emblem of history, duty, and service, together representing the strength and enduring legacy of the U.S. Armed Forces. These banners do more than mark identity; they embody the sacrifices, values, and unity of the brave individuals who have served our nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military service flags are displayed in a specific order to reflect the seniority of each branch, following the Department of Defense\u2019s official Order of Precedence. This order is based primarily on the founding date of each branch, with a few unique exceptions, most notably the U.S. Coast Guard during times of war or peace<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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U.S. Army<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Its flag, featuring the War Office Seal and the date \u201c1775,\u201d symbolizes the Army\u2019s deep historical roots.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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U.S. Marine<\/span> Corps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Its iconic scarlet and gold flag, bearing the eagle, globe, and anchor emblem along with the motto \u201cSemper Fidelis,\u201d<\/em> honors its rich combat legacy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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U.S. Navy<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once featured pine trees, rattlesnakes, and stripes, today\u2019s Navy flag is a bold symbol of sea power set against deep blue with golden fringe displaying the Department of the Navy seal above a banner reading \u201cUnited States Navy\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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U.S. Air Force<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Its flag features the Air Force crest and shield set against a blue background, with 13 stars representing the original colonies, and symbols of America\u2019s newest domain: the skies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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U.S. Space Force<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The newest branch, established in 2019, its black flag features silver and white elements, representing the domain of space and the mission of vigilance beyond Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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U.S. Coast Guard<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally placed last except in wartime, when it precedes the Navy and Marines due to its role under the Department of Defense, its flag bears the Great Seal of the United States and the motto \u201cSemper Paratus\u201d<\/em> (Always Ready), along with the year 1790 to honor its earliest origins.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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