U.S. Army Outdoor Flag

Show your support for our active & retired Military Personnel.  

Outdoor Flags: Manufactured with 100% SolarGuard Nylon or Polyester which is designed to resist fading with normal use. Durable and fast drying. Lightweight nylon material will fly in the lightest breeze.  Features a strong duck heading and two large brass grommets. 

*Made in the U.S.A. 

From Threads to Triumph: The History of the U.S. Army Flag Through the Eyes of Gates Flag & Banner

At Gates Flag & Banner, every stitch we sew carries the weight of history, honor, and tradition. Few symbols embody that more than the United States Army flag. As proud makers of military and ceremonial flags for over a century, we’ve seen the U.S. Army flag evolve from a relatively modern creation into a powerful emblem of service and sacrifice. This is our perspective on its history—woven not just with fabric, but with meaning.

A Flag Born Late—but Right on Time

It might surprise many to learn that the U.S. Army went without an official flag for 181 years. From the Army’s establishment in 1775 through World Wars I and II, there was no singular banner to represent the entire service. While individual regiments and divisions had their own colors, the Army as a whole did not.

That changed on June 12, 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower—himself a former five-star general—officially approved the United States Army flag. For those of us at Gates Flag & Banner, that date marks not just a milestone in military tradition, but a new chapter in our own legacy. It gave us the privilege of crafting a flag that would come to represent every soldier—past, present, and future.

The Design: Tradition in Every Thread

The flag's design is as rich in symbolism as the service it represents. Set against a white background, the central figure is a blue replica of the War Office Seal, a nod to the Army’s deep historical roots. Below it, a scarlet red scroll bears the inscription "United States Army." And most prominently, the founding date of the Army, 1775, anchors the flag’s visual weight.

For our craftsmen and women, reproducing that intricate seal is a labor of love. Each eagle, cannon, and drum symbolizes the Army’s role in defending the nation. And we take pride in ensuring that every detail—from the liberty cap to the unsheathed sword—is honored with the precision it deserves.

A Flag for Ceremonies and Commemoration

Unlike the flags of individual units, the U.S. Army flag is primarily ceremonial. It's often seen during military parades, change-of-command ceremonies, and events honoring Army history and veterans. One of its most distinctive features is its streamers—over 190 of them—each representing a specific campaign from the Revolutionary War to the present.

At Gates, we manufacture many of these streamers by hand. When we attach a new one to the Army flag, we’re not just adding fabric—we’re acknowledging new chapters of courage written by America’s soldiers.

A Symbol That Marches Forward

Today, the U.S. Army flag flies proudly at military installations, on bases, and in ceremonies around the world. It reminds us that while uniforms may change and battles may differ, the Army’s mission—to protect and defend—remains constant.

For us at Gates Flag & Banner, being a part of that story is an honor beyond words. Every time we create an Army flag, we think of the soldiers it represents. We think of the history it holds. And we think of the families who look to it with pride.

After all, we’re not just in the business of making flags—we’re in the business of preserving legacies.