the greek flag was officially adopted in 1828 as a civil and state ensign (a flag for use only on boats and ships) and as a national flag when flown outside of greece, for example on embassies. a different flag (white cross on a blue field) was used as a land flag within greece from 1828 until 1969 and from 1975 to 1978. in 1978 the current flag became national flag and the older land flag was abolished.