You have seen them on trucks, Jeeps, and front porches: a black-and-white American flag with a single colored stripe running through it. Each color is a tribute, honoring a specific group of first responders or service members who put themselves on the line. Here is what every colored line on the American flag means.
Colored line flag meanings at a glance
| Line color | Who it honors |
|---|---|
| Blue | Law enforcement and police |
| Red | Firefighters |
| Green | Military, border patrol, park rangers, and federal agents |
| White | EMS, EMTs, and paramedics |
| Gold / Yellow | 911 dispatchers and emergency operators |
| Gray / Silver | Corrections officers |
| Orange | Search and rescue |
| Purple | Security officers |
Thin Blue Line: law enforcement
The Thin Blue Line is the most widely recognized of the group. The blue stripe stands for police officers and the idea that they are the line standing between order and chaos. Families of officers, departments, and supporters fly it to show respect for the badge and to remember officers lost in the line of duty.
Show support for law enforcement with a clean thin blue line flag, cut to fit the JL and Gladiator fender vent.
Thin Red Line: firefighters
The Thin Red Line honors firefighters and fire service members. Red points to the fire they run toward, and the flag is often flown in memory of firefighters who gave their lives on the job. It is a common sight at firehouses and on the vehicles of current and retired firefighters.
Honor the fire service with a tattered firefighter flag, made in the USA and ready for glass, hood, or panel.
Thin Green Line: military and federal agents
The Thin Green Line is the broadest of the three. Green honors the military, along with border patrol agents, park rangers, game wardens, conservation officers, and other federal agents who work in green uniforms. It is a nod to those who guard the country's borders, wild lands, and beyond.
The other colored lines
- Thin White Line honors EMS, EMTs, and paramedics, the medical first responders.
- Thin Gold or Yellow Line honors 911 dispatchers and emergency telecommunicators, the calm voices that send help.
- Thin Gray or Silver Line honors corrections officers who work inside prisons and jails.
- Thin Orange Line honors search and rescue teams.
- Thin Purple Line honors security officers.
Interpretations can vary a little by region and by the group flying the flag, but the colors above are the ones most people recognize.
What about the all-black subdued flag?
A fully subdued flag, rendered in black and gray with no colored stripe, is a low-visibility, tactical-style version of Old Glory associated with the military. It reads as understated and respectful rather than tied to one service. A separate, solid all-black flag with no visible design is a different and much older "no quarter" battle symbol, and is not the same thing as a subdued tribute flag.
A low-key, blacked-out flag for a subdued build. Fits Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT 2018+.
Which way should the stripe and stars face?
Colored line flags follow the same orientation rules as any American flag. On a vehicle's passenger side the star field leads toward the front, which makes the flag look reversed. That is intentional and correct. For the full story, see what a backwards American flag means and which way it should face.
Save 25% if you serve
Many of the people these flags honor can take 25% off at Jeep Decal Store. Through GovX ID, verified active military, veterans and their families, first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS, and healthcare), government employees, and teachers all get 25% off the entire store. Verification is instant, with no codes to hunt down, and the discount applies at checkout. See our military and first responder discount for details.
Fly your colors on your rig
We cut thin blue line, thin red line, and subdued American flag decals for Jeep, Gladiator, and Bronco, made in the USA from weatherproof vinyl that peels off clean. Browse the full American Flag Decals collection to see every style and panel option.
Frequently asked questions
What do the colored lines on the American flag mean?
Each colored stripe on a black-and-white American flag honors a group of first responders or service members. Blue is law enforcement, red is firefighters, green is military and federal agents, white is EMS, and gold is 911 dispatchers.
What does the thin green line flag mean?
The thin green line honors the military along with border patrol, park rangers, game wardens, and other federal agents who serve in green uniforms.
What is the difference between the thin blue line and thin red line?
The thin blue line honors law enforcement and police, while the thin red line honors firefighters. Both are black-and-white American flags with a single colored stripe.
Is it disrespectful to display a thin line flag?
No. Thin line flags are widely flown as tributes to first responders and service members. Displayed with the stars in the position of honor, they follow the same respectful conventions as any American flag.
Do you offer a military or first responder discount?
Yes. Verified active military, veterans and their families, first responders, government employees, and teachers get 25% off the entire store through GovX ID. Verification is instant and the discount applies at checkout.
What does an all-black-and-gray American flag mean?
A subdued grayscale flag is a low-visibility, tactical-style flag associated with the military. It is understated and respectful. A separate solid all-black flag is an older no-quarter battle symbol and is not the same thing.
Note: colored line flag meanings are based on common usage and can vary by region and group.
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