Flags have been every now and then used as rallying aspects for the time of battles; squaddies could gather round their shades for morale

https://stephentkru765.cloudhinter.com/posts/a-closer-look-at-the-most-iconic-civil-war-flags-of-the-era

Flags have been usually used as rallying factors in the time of battles; soldiers would bring together around their colorations for morale strengthen when faced with overwhelming odds.