Why does the salvation army have a flag

I'm not sure about the exact dimensions, but I have made a gif which is as close to correct as I can get it from simply seeing the flag flying. James Dignan , 20 October by Nelson L. I drew it as I saw on TV and as I found it in this site. The site explains the meaning of the flag, shield and crest.

Nelson L. Having said that, a quick Google search gave community. James says "I think that the flag is the same worldwide. Or are they mis using 'tricolour' to mean 'a flag which contains three colours' without the normal implication of three equal stripes? Then again, a page at www1. So I wonder whether the flag really is standardised world-wide. This was greeted with some skepticism, as can be seen on this page. I figured that, for reasons best known to themselves, New Zealand's Salvation Army must use a different colour flag to other units worldwide.

Finally, my driving past the local fortress coincided with a rare day on which they had their flag up, so I am finally able to present a photo of the flag as flown locally, to show that the colour is indeed purple, not red.

This is not an artefact of it being a faded flag - all the Salvation Army flags I have ever seen here have been this colour. The colours are extremely symbolic: Red for the blood of Christ Yellow for the fire of the Holy Spirit Blue for the purity of God the Father Thus the flag is symbolic of the triune God Anthony Cotterill , 27 June The earlier version showing a sun can be seen on this site.

The Salvation Army uniform did not become standardised until about , when a navy blue serge uniform was introduced for both men and women. Men wore a high neck tunic with a stiff collar over a scarlet jersey. Their headgear was a cap with a red band. Women wore long navy skirts and high neck tunics with white lace-edge collars. They also wore bonnets, which had been introduced by Catherine Booth.

Due to economic necessity officers and soldiers have always had to purchase their own uniforms, and in a uniform would cost on average, three weeks' salary. Many Salvationists wore their uniforms on any occasion where formal clothes would be expected.

As Army work developed overseas, different uniforms were developed to adapt to local culture and climate. Variations included white, grey and beige uniforms — as well as sari uniforms with a Salvation Army sash.

The uniform, which has changed and developed greatly over the years, is still worn today by Salvation Army soldiers and officers. We would like to keep in touch with you about our vital work and how you can help transform lives. Sign up above to receive our monthly e-newsletter and occasional emails about appeals, campaigns and volunteering opportunities. The ray on the outside of the circle: The Fire of the Holy Spirit. The dots: The Truth of the Gospel.

The swords: Spiritual Warfare. Many Salvation Army personnel, particularly those serving with the Defence Forces, wore the shield as a badge. In the aftermath of the Boer War, an Australian Salvationist, Major George Carpenter, was concerned that the silver shield worn by Salvationists in times of war would reflect light, particularly during the night, giving the location of troops to the enemy.

The Red Shield logo is now used on signage, printed materials and fundraising appeals. The Salvation Army uniform reflects the military principles upon which the Army is organised. For Salvation Army officers and soldiers it is a visible expression of their faith that often creates valuable opportunities to provide a helping hand.

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