Presenting the Flags
Military flags are usually presented by the monarch or some very important figure. For example, the King or Queen presented many regimental flags to units of the British army in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Design
Each unit's flag used different symbols or numbers to make it unique. Sometimes, units added their battle honors to their flag. The collection of battle flags held by the Ohio Historical Society contains a number of different examples.
Military flags are usually presented by the monarch or some very important figure. For example, the King or Queen presented many regimental flags to units of the British army in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Design
Each unit's flag used different symbols or numbers to make it unique. Sometimes, units added their battle honors to their flag. The collection of battle flags held by the Ohio Historical Society contains a number of different examples.
A Focal Point
Historically, flags served an important purpose in battle situations. In the confusion of battle, they helped a soldier keep track of where his unit was, and if things went wrong they were a useful rallying point.
Trooping the Color
Since the flag posed as a focal point, armies organized ceremonies to show the flag color to all ranks of the regiment for easy recognition. This is the origin of the well-known "Trooping the Color" ceremony in London.
Color Guard
Flags were so important in battlefield situations that a team of soldiers were specifically assigned to protect them, known as the "color guard."
Today
Today the importance of military flags is almost entirely symbolic, and their use is primarily in ceremonial occasions.
Historically, flags served an important purpose in battle situations. In the confusion of battle, they helped a soldier keep track of where his unit was, and if things went wrong they were a useful rallying point.
Trooping the Color
Since the flag posed as a focal point, armies organized ceremonies to show the flag color to all ranks of the regiment for easy recognition. This is the origin of the well-known "Trooping the Color" ceremony in London.
Color Guard
Flags were so important in battlefield situations that a team of soldiers were specifically assigned to protect them, known as the "color guard."
Today
Today the importance of military flags is almost entirely symbolic, and their use is primarily in ceremonial occasions.
