When was the NATO flag adopted?

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Flag of NATO featuring a white compass rose emblem with four lines radiating from the center on a blue background. — North Atlantic Treaty Organization Flag of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officially adopted its flag on October 14, 1953.1

The design features a white compass rose emblem centered on a dark blue background, which represents the Atlantic Ocean. According to NATO's first secretary-general, Lord Ismay, the four-pointed star symbolizes the path of peace, while the circle represents the unity of the member countries.1