Flags were sometimes used as rallying elements right through battles; squaddies may bring together round their colorings for morale

https://landenfwmq676.alderbrief.com/posts/a-closer-look-at-the-most-iconic-civil-war-flags-of-the-era-2

Flags had been in some cases used as rallying issues all the way through battles; infantrymen would bring together around their hues for morale strengthen when faced with overwhelming odds.