National Civil War Chaplains Museum

On this day in history, the Second Continental Congress issued the following resolution: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” More than a hundred years later, President Woodrow Wilson declared that June 14 would be celebrated as Flag Day, in honor of our proud banner.

The colors of the American flag are rich with meaning. The red represents valor and bravery. The white represents the purity and innocence. The blue represents justice, vigilance, and perseverance. On Flag Day, we honor the American flag as a symbol of the American people and the ideals on which this nation was founded. But did you know that there is one flag that is allowed to fly above the stars and stripes? We call this flag the Church Pennant, and it is flown in the United States Navy to indicate when religious services are being held on board.

Why is this flag allowed to fly above the stars and stripes? The Church Pennant has been in use for centuries, first appearing in written documents as early as 1799. However, it was used before this date, meaning that this flag being raised during church services could be as old as the nation itself. A 1923 conference frowned on the practice, believing it was disrespectful to lower the American flag in favor of the Church Pennant. However, in June of 1942, Congress passed an act affirming: “No other flag or pennant should be placed above [...] the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy.”

To learn more about military chaplains and the deep connection between God and American history, follow the Chaplains Museum and visit us on the campus of Liberty University.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits. Look for the “Donate” section at the link in our bio.

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In times of uncertainty, why not open the military to all those willing to serve? On this day in history, 1948, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Congresswoman Margaret Chase Smith proposed the bill, which received support from several high-profile figures, such as Generals Dwight Eisenhower and Omar Bradley.

The bill faced initial pushback from opponents who wished to limit women to reserve units. However, concerns of war with the Soviet Union and an inability to recruit enough men for an all-volunteer force generated the momentum needed for the bill to pass. President Harry Truman signed the act into law on June 12, 1948. The act created brand new opportunities for American women, and hundreds of women began basic training in the Army alone before the end of the year. 25 years later, the Navy recruited Dianna Pohlman-Bell, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian church, to become the first female chaplain recognized by the U.S. military. Pohlman-Bell was not content to live a quiet life, and she felt a “deep sense” of God’s involvement in her life. So, with her husband’s support, she enrolled at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. After graduating, the National Presbytery in Washington, D.C. ordained her and confirmed her entrance to the military chaplaincy. Since Pohlman-Bell joined the chaplaincy, hundreds of other women have followed her example, with 155 serving in the Naval Chaplain Corps alone.

Follow the Chaplains Museum and come visit us to learn more about the trailblazing efforts of chaplains like her.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits. Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio.

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