What do war flags mean?

Battle flags are often a source of pride, fellowship and identity for soldiers and civilians alike. They can represent the sacrifice and service performed by those who lived and died beneath the fluttering banners. The study of flags and their symbolism is called vexillology.

What does a 2 star flag mean?

Service 2 Blue Stars Lapel Pin (Vertical Rectangle) Shortly after World War I the Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers that lost sons or daughters in the war.

Who carries the flag in war?

standard-bearer
A standard-bearer, also known as a flag-bearer is a person (soldier or civilian) who bears an emblem known as a standard or military Regulation Colours, i.e. either a type of flag or an inflexible but mobile image, which is used (and often honoured) as a formal, visual symbol of a state, prince, military unit, etc.

Why do soldiers carry flags?

Special Operations Forces (SOF), the elite units most often seen with the flag, are not nearly as numerous. He told Fox News that soldiers often carry flags in case communications break down and they need to identify themselves to friendly forces.

What does a gold star in the window mean?

The flag was designed to be displayed in the front window of peoples’ homes, to indicate the number of family members serving the war effort as members of the Armed Services. A gold service star indicates that someone in that person’s family has lost their life while serving our armed forces and our Nation.

What does a blue star mean in the military?

Today, families display these banners when they have a loved one serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The blue star represents one family member serving, and a banner can have up to five stars. If the individual is killed or dies, a smaller golden star is placed over it.

How are flags used in war?

Flags originally were used mainly in warfare, and to some extent they have remained insignia of leadership, serving for the identification of friend or foe and as rallying points. They are now also extensively employed for signaling, for decoration, and for display.

Who carries the flag in War?

Who carried the flag in the Civil War?

Civil War battle flags were carried by a soldier called a color bearer. His job was to make sure the flag was flying and visible at all times during the fight. Now of course he had to have some protection. Usually around 50 soldiers were assigned to protect the flag.

What does a blue star in a window mean?

Displaying Blue Star Banners Families are encouraged to display the banner in the window of a home when a loved one is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The blue star represents one family member serving, and a banner can have up to five stars, according to The American Legion.