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TRAVELING REGIMENTAL FLAG PROGRAM

1. Purpose. To inform members of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Regiment of the Traveling Flag Program. The Commander of the AMEDD Regiment sponsors the Traveling Flag Program which enables medical units to obtain the Regimental flag for use during military ceremonies and events. Commanders may contact the Office of the AMEDD Regiment via electronic mail to arrange for the delivery of a Regimental flag to the desired location.

2. Description. The AMEDD Regimental flag is based on an old design, one of the oldest coats of arms used by the United States Army. Developed during the Civil War and approved by Surgeon General William Hammond, the symbolism of the Medical Corps Coat of Arms was selected to represent the medical profession, the Union, and the year of the Medical Department`s creation, 1818. The coat of arms was placed on items that had been inspected and approved for use by departmental personnel, such as medicine bottles and medical textbooks. The white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represent the United States flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with the serpent, originating in mythology, is symbolic of medicine and healing. Green was a color associated with the Corps during the last half of the nineteenth century. The rooster has a strong connection in medicine which dates back to Aesculapius, the Greek God of Healing. This connection was seen in 399 B.C., a practice at the time was to pay for medical services with poultry. On May 7, 399 B.C., Socrates died under judicial poisoning by drinking hemlock. His last recorded words were, "I owe a cock to Aesculapius, see that it is paid." The motto translates to Experiment/Experience and Advance. A more literal translation is Experience and Progress.

3. Display of the Flag. The Regimental Flag will not precede any major army command flag.

4. Availability of the Flag. The Regimental Flag is available to all Active, Reserve, and National Guard medical activities within the AMEDD Regiment. Requests should be submitted as soon as an event requiring a flag is scheduled to ensure availability. The requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

5. Submitting requests. Requests should be made by email to Regimental Administrative Officer
The following information must be provided:

  • Unit.
  • Point of contact--name and rank.
  • Building location--building number, room number, street address.
  • City, state, and zip code.
  • Commercial telephone number.
  • Type of event (e.g., Dining-In).
  • Date of the event.

6. Handling of the Flag. The flag will be mailed to the specified location via overnight mail. The requesting unit is required to return the flag by overnight mail to ensure accountability of the flag at all times. The flag is to be returned to the Regimental office the first working day following the scheduled event. If the Colors are damaged or lost, the Regimental office will require the requester to submit a report of survey.

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