America loves its brands. But when we say the word “brand,” what is it you envision? You probably imagine a product, or more likely, the symbol that represents a product. Nike has their “swoosh,” Starbucks has a siren, and of course, we all recognize the iconic golden arches.
It goes to show just how pivotal imagery can be in conveying a message. And those are just corporate brands. We might like them, some of us may even swear by them, but at the end of the day, their job is to sell us food, clothing, or lifestyle choices.
How important, then, is an image that represents our entire nation? A nation that holds within its borders the lives of hundreds of millions, their histories, hardships, triumphs, morals, and values. All of this is wrapped up tightly behind the stars and stripes.
Our legacy of freedom and prosperity echoes across the globe. These core values, which our flag embodies, fly along with it whenever it is unfurled. So when it comes to raising our flag, whether on a car or boat, porch or pole, it is important that we choose one of the utmost durability and quality.
You want a flag that embodies America, made by Americans, for Americans, using only the best materials and artisans. If that’s what you want in your flag kit, we can help you discover how to find it.
Read on for more.
The Significance of America’s Flag
When, as the story goes, Betsy Ross first stitched together our nation's ensign, it’s doubtful that she, or any of our original Founding Fathers, expected that there would be 37 more stars by the time all was said and done.
Indeed it would have been quite premature for them to assume a number half that size, considering that they still had an entire revolution to win. But here we sit more than two centuries later, stars and all, with America still leading as one of the most prominent countries in the world.
But the United States didn’t get where we are by accident or luck. America and its people have always fought hard for what we hold dear. Our convictions and principles have gotten us this far and continue to uphold our country even today.
Since 1776, this country has been sustained by brilliant and brave men and women who have sacrificed plenty. These patriots have given their all to the continued prosperity and safety of the United States of America. They may have been doctors or soldiers, teachers, artists, farmers, or warehouse workers, but they were all Americans. They were, and are, the blood that flows through the veins of our great nation.
The American flag is an integral icon and an unmistakable symbol of everything that those before us have fought to protect and everything our descendants will fight to maintain.
When you purchase an American flag, you are making your own declaration of pride in your country and solidarity with your fellow Americans. We believe that the quality of that flag and the message it carries are of paramount importance when finding the flag that’s right for you.
Keeping the Code
We aren't the only ones who believe that our nation's flag is worthy of being treated with honor and respect. In 1923, on Flag Day, it was proposed that America develop a “Flag Code.” Flag Day falls on the anniversary of the day (July 14, 1777) that the Continental Congress approved of the U.S. flag, so this timing is rich with historical significance.
This code would outline the proper treatment and procedures regarding the stars and stripes. It would also cover how the flag should be treated, regarded and how to properly retire a flag.
However, it wasn’t until 1942 that the Flag Code was officially passed as legislation. In the following years, the Flag Code was amended and built upon to become the document it is today. Federal law does not enforce the Flag Code. Instead, it has been left up to individual states as to how issues regarding the Flag Code will be enforced.
Trials of a Flag
Now, why would we put such an emphasis on quality? After all, a less expensive flag doesn’t make one inherently unpatriotic, does it? Of course not. The message is just as strong, regardless of the price or quality of your flag.
Having said that, it’s also important to note that your flag does not exist in a vacuum. Quite the opposite, in fact. It will most likely be flown outside, where it will face exposure to the sun, the elements, and whatever else nature chooses to throw at it.
For this reason, you need a flag that is sturdy, adaptable, and well-made, just like America itself. The forces your flag needs to endure varies depending on specific climates, regions, and frequency of use. While outdoor environments are all unique, there are certain qualifications that a flag should have in terms of element resistance.
Rain or Shine
Back in 1776, flags were all made out of natural fibers like cotton. Cotton is prone to mildew, mold, and dangerous spores that are commonly seen outdoors. It became common practice to take down flags during inclement weather to better sustain and preserve the flag’s material.
Thankfully, the invention of the synthetic fiber—nylon—in the late 1930s made way for a new and more resistant type of flag. Nylon is used to make the “all-weather” flags we commonly see today. However, it's important to understand that nylon does not mean your flag is immune to wear and tear.
High winds and the elements still play a major role in the lifespan of your flag, so it never hurts to take it down for a bit during the most extreme conditions. The only thing worse than a damaged flag is a missing flag, carried off by high winds.
Materials and Accessories
Keeping your flag flying and secured is not a one-and-done job. Sure, you can have a strong flag, but if it isn’t properly attached with the right flag accessories, it can end up tangled and wrapped around its pole like a vine curling around a tree.
If the anchor or pole themselves aren’t sturdy enough, your flag might even end up detached and lying in the mud. Neither scenario is a fate befitting this nation's most proud symbol.
When looking for flag pole equipment. You want something sturdy and weather-resistant. We’ve found that treated hardwood works best for any flag mounted to your porch. Likewise, your mounting bracket should be made of a sturdy coated metal and securely bolted.
Two non-tangle flagpole spinners are another essential accessory to look for in your flag kit. These handy little clips not only help secure your flag but allow it to rotate around the pole in the direction of the wind.
This rotation prevents the flag from getting caught on a single point, ensuring that it rarely ends up furled around its pole. Installing flagpole spinners is the best way to keep your flag flying proudly for all to see.
The American Difference
We have talked a lot about quality, the quality of accessories, and the flag itself. But we haven’t yet touched on perhaps the most important aspect of quality assurance: craftsmanship.
When you purchase an American flag, you are purchasing a symbol of your support for America. But what if that “support” wasn’t going where you thought it was?
Countless American seamstresses and textile workers have been put out of work over the past decades, as textiles were outsourced overseas. While the loss of American jobs is always something we as U.S. citizens seek to avoid, it is not the only reason to buy flags domestically.
The main reason manufacturing is outsourced essentially comes down to one factor: it’s cheaper. Not just cheap labor, either, but cheaper materials, cheaper techniques, and, ultimately, cheaper mass-produced products.
At Allegiance Flag Supply, we believe that quality American values deserve to be represented by a quality American flag.
That’s why every single one of our flags is hand-crafted right here in America by none other than your fellow Americans. Your money goes to them, just as their hard work and passion for the craft come to you. From the start, this nation has strived to be a country by the people, for the people, and that’s a legacy we seek to uphold.
Sources:
Flag Code FAQ part 1: general questions | USHistory.org
Today in History - June 14 | Library of Congress
History of Betsy Ross | Historic Philadelphia Society
Cotton clothes found to be leading carrier of fungal spores | Cornell Chronicle