guidon
United States Army flags traditionally have been used for purposes of identification and the fostering of esprit de corps. The present policies stem from ideas and practices dating back to the Revolutionary War. In turn, those were influenced by the military traditions of Western Europe to a great extent. The English, French, Dutch, Spanish, and others brought to North America their flags, military uniforms and other official symbolism. Leaders of the colonists were familiar with military traditions and those of England and France, particularly.
With the Declaration of Independence and the formation of troops, came the need for items to identify the soldiers and military units. On February 20, 1776, Washington's headquarters issued as order on flags quoted, in part, below:
"As it is necessary that every Regiment should be furnished Colours, and that those Colours should...bear some kind of similitude to the Uniform of the regiment to which they belong, the Colonels... may fix upon such as are proper, the standard (or Regimental Colours) and Colours for each Grand Division, ...The Number of the Regiment is to be mark'd on the Colours, and such a Motto, as the Colonel may choose, in fixing upon which, the General advises a Consultation amongst them. The Colonels are to delay no time, in getting this matter fix'd, that the Qr. Mr. Genl. May provide the Colours as soon as possible;..."
This order emphasized the significance of organizational colors to the Army by directing expeditious design and procurement; delegated responsibility for design and procurement and prescribed design pattern elements.
As late as 1779, the designs of regimental and national colors to be carried by Army organizations were the subject of correspondence between Washington and Richard Peters of the Board of War. From that correspondence it is evident that the Americans intended to follow the British practice of using two different designs for the
With the Declaration of Independence and the formation of troops, came the need for items to identify the soldiers and military units. On February 20, 1776, Washington's headquarters issued as order on flags quoted, in part, below:
"As it is necessary that every Regiment should be furnished Colours, and that those Colours should...bear some kind of similitude to the Uniform of the regiment to which they belong, the Colonels... may fix upon such as are proper, the standard (or Regimental Colours) and Colours for each Grand Division, ...The Number of the Regiment is to be mark'd on the Colours, and such a Motto, as the Colonel may choose, in fixing upon which, the General advises a Consultation amongst them. The Colonels are to delay no time, in getting this matter fix'd, that the Qr. Mr. Genl. May provide the Colours as soon as possible;..."
This order emphasized the significance of organizational colors to the Army by directing expeditious design and procurement; delegated responsibility for design and procurement and prescribed design pattern elements.
As late as 1779, the designs of regimental and national colors to be carried by Army organizations were the subject of correspondence between Washington and Richard Peters of the Board of War. From that correspondence it is evident that the Americans intended to follow the British practice of using two different designs for the