HELLENIC REPUBLIC
CURRENT FLAGS OF THE HELLENIC ARMY
From 1822 to 1973, when the monarchy was abolished by a military junta, Greece generally had two national flags: the plain cross flag and the cross-and-stripes flag. Between 1975 and 1978 the plain cross flag was the Greek national flag. Since 1978, however, the cross-and-stripes flag has been the sole national flag and ensign. Blue and white are the Greek national colors, the cross is a symbol of Orthodox Christianity, and the nine stripes of the cross-and-stripes flag are said to correspond to the nine syllables of the war cry in the struggle for independence from Turkey: Freedom or Death. The national flag is flown at all installations of the Hellenic Army.
Military flags of Greece can be divided into three categories. The fringed Regimental War Flag is carried by all regiments and battalions Other than the depiction of St. George slaying the dragon, it bears no insignia or inscriptions. Brigades and higher formations have an organizational flag displaying the unit insignia on a field of the unit's distinguishing colors. The insignia is also worn on uniforms, usually in the form of a shoulder patch. Organizational flags are fringed for indoor display and occasions of ceremony, and without fringe for outdoor display. Rank flags for general officers are used indoors, on vehicles and for occasions of ceremony.
Flag Proportions: The Greek national flag is made in 2:3 proportions. The Regimental War Flag is made square. Organizational flags are made in approximate 4 :5.5 proportions and rank flags are made in 4:5 proportions.Color Shades: Traditionally, a shade of light blue (somewhat darker than sky blue) has been employed for Greek national flags and their derivatives. The 1978 flag law does not specify an exact color shade, though prototype flags are maintained by government ministries to serve as patterns for flag manufacturers. The Regimental War Flag has a sky blue field.
