2020 ~ Professor Flag

One of the most recognizable symbols of the President of the United States is the flag and personal color of that office.

This is a crucial distinction that must be made - the flag represents the Office of the President, not the person holding the office.

Definition: a flag is hoisted on a pole or mast while a Colour Is mounted on a staff, with or without fringe, some colors can be paraded in a Colorguard while others are intended to be stationary (posted in a stand)

The first documented use of a flag for the president was in 1882. The Navy Department issued General Order 300 in August 1882. It describes the flag as "a blue ground with the coat of arms of the United States in the center." later 13 white stars formed an arch over the coat of arms.

Not to be outdone - The Army designed their own flag for the president in 1898. It was a scarlet red with the coat of arms of the United States emblazoned on a blue star outlined in white. Surrounding the star was 45 small white stars representing the 45 states.

Between 1898 and 1912. Each of the military branches used their respective flags and colors. In 1901 President Roosevelt directed that the Navy's 1898 design would be the official Flag of the President. From that time this flag was used:

However, each branch maintained a separate Color for the President. The Navy kept the blue field, while the Army kept theirs Red. in 1912 President Taft ordered that the field of the flag should be blue.

1916- President Wilson simplified things and ordered that 1 design be used for the flag and color.

In 1944, the military rank of General of the Army was created and symbolized with 5 stars. Their flag and color is red with 5 stars.

This design raised the question if having only four stars on the Presidents flag/color was appropriate now that the 5 star rank was in place.,

In 1945 President Truman changed the design. It was described as the coat of arms of the. President of the United States encircled by 48 stars representing the 48 States.

In 1959 - President Eisenhower updated the design to include a 49th star representing Alaska, and in 1960 he added a 50th star for Hawaii. All 3 designs are located in the Eisenhower Presidential Library.