Battle flags held significant importance for several reasons during the Civil War and earlier conflicts:

Practical Purpose: In the noisy and smoky environment of battle, large flags served as a visible rally point for soldiers to maintain formation and communicate. As mentioned in the video, a flag bearer's movement could signal an advance or a shift in the line.
Symbol of Morale and Cause: Flags were considered the "heart of the regiment" and represented the cause soldiers were fighting and willing to die for. They symbolized the unit's identity and pride.
Remembrance of the Fallen: For survivors, the flag also represented all those who had died under it, carrying deep emotional weight.