This article will help you understanding the difference between official military departmental flags and novelty military flags.
Flags have always played a significant role in the military. They serve as symbols of unity, identity, and honor, representing the values and traditions of a nation’s armed forces. While the official military department flags are well-recognized and carry historical significance, novelty military flags that veterans fly to show their pride in their service have gained popularity in recent years as a means of celebrating military service and identity. When planning events, displays, or even purchasing color guard equipment, it is critical to understand the differences between official military department flags and novelty military/service pride flags, shedding light on their respective roles and significance.
Official military department flags are the authorized flags representing various branches of a nation’s armed forces. These flags hold a solemn and historical significance and are used in official ceremonies, parades, and other formal military events. The key characteristics of these flags include:
The “real”, authorized flags of the US military. The Space Force flag is the only one different here to show you what an Indoor/Outdoor flag looks like. It has a staff sleeve and fringe. All service flags must have fringe that is gold in color, but the SF is the only one that requires fringe that is silver in color (more grey than true silver).
Novelty military pride flags, on the other hand, have gained popularity in recent years, serving as a more personal expressive form of honoring military service and identity. These flags are characterized by:
These flags contain logos, more or less. The Navy flag might look like the authorized version, but it’s dimensions are off. This USAF flag contains the AF Emblem.
None of these flags are authorized to be carried by military personnel.
Official military department flags and novelty military pride flags serve distinct purposes and have different roles within the realm of military symbolism. The official flags represent the traditions and history of the armed forces, carrying a solemn and regulated significance. In contrast, novelty military pride flags provide a personal means of expression, enabling individuals to celebrate their connection to the military in a more customized and inclusive manner.
It is important to recognize the differences between these two types of flags to avoid any misunderstanding or misuse of official military symbols. While both types of flags have their place, it is essential to respect the traditions associated with official military department flags and to use novelty military pride flags as a means of personal expression and support for the military community.
This article was written by DeVaughn Simper, Vexillologist. Find him on social media: @professorflagg.
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