The 50th Anniversary of the Korean War
Commemorative Flag and Crest

During the commemorative period between 2000 and 2003, the Korean History Project proudly joined the nation in honoring Korean War veterans for the sacrifices they made to ensure a free and democratic South Korea.

 
The Institute of Heraldry assisted the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee with the design of the flag, which has been created to honor and thank the Korean War Veterans, their families and most of all, those who lost loved ones. South Korea has adopted this design as their official commemorative flag.

The 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemorative Flag symbolizes the unified effort of the United States, the Republic of Korea and their United Nations allies to halt Communist aggression on the Korean Peninsula 50 years ago. The flag is in both the English and Korean (Hangul) languages. The gold letters "Freedom is Not Free" were added by American Veterans who, more than anyone else, know the great price of liberty.

The symbolism behind each of the flag's elements is as follows:

The light blue and white streamer that runs through the center of the flag represents the U.N. Battle Streamer.

In the center is the Taeguk depicted on the Republic of Korea's national flag. It represents two states of being: Heaven (spiritual) and Earth (physical). The symbol is familiar to many as the symbol for the philosophy of Yin and Yang.

The 22 gold stars represents the 20 United Nations member states involved in the Korean War, plus one non-member state - Italy - and the Republic of Korea.

The gold trim and lettering symbolizes honor and excellence.

Traditionally, the Taeguk depicted on the Republic of Korea's national flag represents two states of being: Heaven (spiritual) and Earth (physical). The three-lobed sam-Taeguk stands for three states of being: Heaven, Earth and Man. Heaven represents the spiritual, Earth represents the physical and Man is the intermediary who embodies both realms.

The sam-Taeguk is the focal point of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemorative Crest.

The symbolism behind each of the three lobes is as follows:

The red and white stripes represent the United States.

The dark blue represents South Korea.

The United Nations light blue field containing 22 gold stars represents the 20 United Nations member states involved in the Korean War, plus one non-member state - Italy - and the Republic of Korea.

The gold wreath and lettering symbolizes honor and excellence.