In our Presidential Conference Room, you’ll find a set of ceremonial flags representing five branches of the armed forces: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

These are the precise flags that stood in the Cabinet Room during President Jimmy Carter’s time in the White House. Ribbons, or battle streamers, hang from the top of each flag to designate the military campaigns waged by each branch, dating back to 1775. President Carter took great pride in not participating in any official armed conflicts during his presidency and, therefore, not adding a ribbon to the collection. Only appropriate members of each branch of service are allowed to touch the flags. This lesson was surely impressed upon the Carters’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who often gathered in the conference room for monthly family dinners when President Carter and Mrs. Carter were in Atlanta.