[Peter Ansoff]

Actually, "rltw" may have been referring to the Campaign and Service streamers that the US Army displays on their service and unit flags. The streamers are attached to the top of the flag staff, and carry the names of campaigns and battles that the unit participated in, as well as awards that it has received.

The streamer system was created in the 1920s. Previously, battle honors had been inscribed directly on the flags. You'll see many examples of Civil War regimental colors (from both sides) that carry the names of the battles that the regiment took part in.

You can read about the Army streamer system here

CAMPAIGN, WAR SERVICE AND UNIT AWARD STREAMERS

on the web site of the US Army Institute of Heraldry.

Peter Ansoff

[american_flag_uk]

well that would make sence... i thought he was talkin about each little tassle on the fringe around a US flag

[Peter Ansoff]

i thought he was talkin about each little tassle on the fringe around a US flag

I think that he was a bit confused. Can you imagine somebody actually counting all the little tassels on a fringe?!?

Peter Ansoff

[american_flag_uk]

lol.... not even i hve ever done that!

[rockitmarty]

oh interesting, I never took notice of the symbolism

[boza127]

Flags -- any flags -- with gold fringe encirclilng it represents a flag that has seen 'battle'

This standard has been carried into battle -- not necessarily the one you are gazing at -- but the representative flag of the nation.

Ironically, the Papal flag is entitled to have gold fringe because it, too, has been carried into conflict.

[Peter Ansoff]

Greetings, Boza -- welcome to the forum!

Flags -- any flags -- with gold fringe encirclilng it represents a flag that has seen 'battle'

That's a romantic idea, but it's not true. Any flag can be fringed -- the fringe is an "honorable enrichment" to make the flag look nice. It has no symbolic meaning at all. You'll find a lot of detailed discussion about this here in the forum.

Peter Ansoff