Flags were at times used as rallying elements in the time of battles; soldiers might collect round their colorations for morale

https://telegra.ph/Celebrating-Heritage-The-Importance-of-Civil-War-Flags-in-Todays-Society-10-23

Flags had been in many instances used as rallying factors all the way through battles; troopers may assemble around their colors for morale help whilst confronted with overwhelming odds.