Posted on 06/13/2009 10:22:19 AM PDT by SandRat
FORT HUACHUCA — It wasn’t until nearly 181 years after the U.S Army was formed that the organization had an official flag, although Army units had their own colors.
And, for the past 234 years 178 campaign streamers have become an integral part of the Army flying symbol.
Each streamer is a visual reminder that throughout the nation’s history, ensuring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has required the sacrifices of soldiers.
On June 12, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the official flag. Ike previously had became a General of the Army in World War II and led American and allied forces in defeating Nazi Germany in Europe.
The official flag was unfurled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on the Army’s birthday on June 14, 1956.
The banner incorporates the national colors of red, white and blue and Arabic numerals show 1775, the year the Army was created.
The seal portion of the banner includes a cannon in front of a drum with two drumsticks and three cannon balls. It also includes a mortar and two mortar powder flasks.
In the center is a Roman breastplate over a leather jacket.
A rattlesnake holds a scroll in its mouth with the words: “This we’ll defend.”
Above the breastplate is a sword and a Phrygian cap prominently placed between a pike and a musket with a fixed bayonet.
The Phrygian cap has long been a symbol of freedom and liberty.
The conical cap is soft and red and traces its beginnings back to a region in central Anatolia, now a region in Turkey. Originally Persian, it came to be used by Greeks and Romans, making its way into other cultures. In some Byzantine religious icons the three Magis are sometimes shown wearing the special cap. In the 18th century the cap was a symbol of revolutionary movements, including in the American colonies.
Symbolically on Friday Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca Command Sgt. Maj. Gerardus Wykoff, assisted by members of the Fort Huachuca Chapter of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club who wore period Army uniforms, reattached the 178 campaign streamers to the flag held by Cpl. Jonathan Sweeney of the fort’s select honor guard. When all the streamers are attached, they, the flag and the pole weigh nearly 30 pounds.
Jim Chambers who narrated the event, said “The battle streamers illuminate the courage and sacrifices made to bring peace and to guarantee freedom.”
The streamers are part of the Army’s heritage shown through a tapestry of rich design involving the blood of soldiers and embroidered with deeds of bravery, service and sacrifice, he said. After each soldier, representing different periods of the Army’s history, handed Wykoff a set of streamers and he attached them to the Army flag, both saluted.
Herald/Review senior reporter Bill Hess can be reached at 515-4615 or bill.hess@svherald.com
“Staff Sgt. Elisa Hawkins, left, dressed in World War I attire, presented the streamers to Wykoff.”
Gee, we had women fighting in uniform in WWI? I don’t think so!
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
She’s representing; I’m sorry your panties are in a bunch.
The Yorktown streamer is to be displayed front and center.
You wrote:
“She’s representing; I’m sorry your panties are in a bunch.”
In that uniform it’s probably her panties that are in a bunch.
Reminds me of the colors of my old unit- 3d bn 2d arty. It was covered in battle streamers back to the Revolution. It completely covered the colors.
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
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