Author Archives: Patrick Page

American flag

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It’s a flag and symbol instantly known around the world; here at home it’s known by names such
as The Star Spangled Banner, The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and Red, White and Blue. The
flag of the United States of America has for centuries been a symbol and rallying point for
freedom.

The American national flag has an exact set of specifications as to how it is used, how and when
it is displayed, how it is folded when not in use, even how it is honorably destroyed when soiled
or tattered.

When amongst other, lesser flags, the flag is always displayed in the position of honor, either at
the top of a flagpole above other flags such as a state flag, in the most prominent position on
other displays, or, when hung alone vertically, so the field of stars is always in the upper left hand
corner.

The design concept of the modern flag was first adopted June 14, 1777, but at the time with a
field of 13 stars only, representing the original 13 colonies/states. Through the years, as each
state has been added to the nation, so has an additional star been added to the flag, with the flag
being officially modified 26 times since 1777. Enduring unchanged has been the 13 red and
white horizontal stripes, each representing one colony/state.

The flag has remained unchanged since July 4, 1960 when the 50th star was added representing
Hawaii. The current 50 star flag has been in service the longest period of time, followed by the
48 star flag which saw service during World War II, and was used for 47 years.

American flags come in all sizes, from tiny hand-held sizes to gigantic and majestic fortress
flags.

Flags are flown at half-staff to denote the mourning of prominent Americans.
When the flag is flown upside down, it indicates danger and is a call for immediate help.
There are a number of specific times the flag should be displayed, including New Year’s Day,
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, presidential inauguration day, Lincoln’s birthday,
Presidents’ Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Flag Day,
Independence Day, labor Day, Constitution Day, Columbus Day, Navy Day, Veterans Day,

Thanksgiving Day, and other times as designated by the president.

Proper flag etiquette dictates the flag should never be used for commercial purposes or as part of
clothing.

Military Flags

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Military flags in the United States have a long and colorful history, and perform services well
beyond symbolism. Each branch of the military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps,
and Navy – all have distinct, individual flags, as well as a large assortment of identification
streamers and guidons. Beyond that are in-service banners and flags, as well as a special
POW/MIA flag and distinct Merchant Marine and Civilian Service flags.

Military flags are important parts of many ceremonies as well as somber events such as funerals.
Color guards often have joint displays of military flags, and there is a formal precedence of
placement. The national colors are first, followed by the flags of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy,
Air Force, and Coast Guard. The exception is any period when the Coast Guard is operating as
part of the Navy, then the Coast Guard flag precedes the Air Force flag.

The highest ranking officers in all parts of the military have personal flags denoting their rank,
thus the terms “flag officers” or “flag rank” for generals and admirals.

Through the centuries, there have also been battle flags and naval ensigns and battle ensigns.
Surprisingly, the official military flags in use today are the products of final designs in pre- and
post-World War II

State Flags

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Each of the 50 united states, along with territories such as Puerto Rico and the United States
Virgin Islands have separate and distinct flags.

Some state flags such as that of the Commonwealth of Virginia (Four states are officially
organized as commonwealths, not states: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Kentucky.)
have Latin mottos emblazoned on flags, others have mottos in English, some are just colorful
combinations. Every state – and commonwealth – has a flag which somehow reflects either
history of the state or is specifically representative of the state.

The dark blue Virginia flag has the round state seal in the middle, with the Latin motto “Sic
semper tyrannis” at the bottom, which translates to “Thus Always to Tyrants,” and the figure in
the seal shows triumph over a defeated king. The flag was adopted by the Virginia legislature in
January of 1861, three months before seceding from the Union in April of 1861 at the beginning
of the Civil War.

It took the state of Arizona five years to create an official flag after statehood was awarded in
1912. In 1917, a flag with a dark blue bottom, a large copper colored star in the middle, and 13
bands suggesting rays of sunshine was chosen, making the Arizona flag one of the most unique
and colorful of the state flags.

Even though all of the original 13 colonies which later formed the United States of America were
British colonies, Hawaii, the last state to join the Union in August of 1959 is the only U.S. state
which incorporates the British Empire Union Flag into its design.

The flag was originally introduced in Hawaii in 1845 when the islands were under British
influence, but the various flags of Hawaii changed as control of the islands changed. When
statehood was attained in 1959, the 1845 design, which was subsequently re-adopted by the
Republic of Hawaii from 1894 to 1898, then used as a U.S. territorial flag from 1898 to 1959,
simply transitioned to the official state flag.

On display, state flags are always second to the national colors, but rank above flags of lesser
political subdivisions such as cities and counties. Flags of separate organizations, such as
universities, religions, or private organizations/companies also rank below state flags when on
display.

Wyoming State Flag

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Wyoming State Flag
Wyoming (WY) was the first state to give women the right to vote and hold public office, an event that is commemorated on its flag with the woman in the picture and the banner that she holds proclaiming “Equal Rights.” The two dates on the seal signify the organization of territorial government and the state’s later admission to the Union. The number 44 shows that Wyoming was the 44th state. The two men represent ranching and mining in early times. The flag was designed by A. C. Keyes, who had originally put the buffalo facing the other direction. Wyoming State Flag Adopted: 1917

The present day flag can be purchased at quality full service flag stores like Flag-Works over America in Concord NH.   The flags range in size from 4”x6” to 10’X15’ however the most common size in the 3’x5’, perfect for flying at home or your business. Wyoming state flags can be supplied in either heavy duty nylon or 2 ply woven polyester.  Both can withstand the harsh Wyoming weather that Wyoming has to offer. Flags ship free!

New Hampshire State Flag NH

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The 9th state, admitted 1788

Although the general design used on New Hampshiress flag had been in use since 1784, it became official in 1909, with slight changes made in 1931.  The New Hampshire state seal is the focus of this flag, depicting an optimistic rising sun behind the Raleigh, which was a ship built for use in the Revolutionary War.  The seal is surrounded by a laurel wreath. The wreath is an ancient symbol of fame, honor, and victory.  The nine stars within the wreath show that New Hampshire was the ninth state to join the Union.  The water stands for the harbor of Portsmouth, and in the lower left corner is granite, a strong and sturdy rock, representing the New Hampshire/s rugged landscape and the sturdy character of the people.  New Hampshire’s nickname is the Granite State. New Hampshire State Flag Adopted:  1909

The changes to the state seal made in 1931 created a problem for flag makers at the time, How do we put another color into the flag.  Flag making was screened at the time and adding another color, silver, was difficult.  Some manufactures left in out completely disregarding the change but others added the extra step.  Today, manufactures use a dying process that allows them to recreate the state flag of New Hampshire accurately.

The present day flag with the granite boulder can be purchased at quality full service flag stores like Flag-works over America in Concord NH.  The flags range in size from 4”x6” to 10’X15’ however the most common size in the 3’x5’, perfect for flying at home or your business.  New Hampshire flags can be supplied in either heavy duty nylon or 2 ply woven polyester.  Both can withstand the harsh New England weather that NH has to offer.

Information about the American Flag

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 Nylon is the flag fabric of choice for outdoor American flags. If you’ve seen an American flag flying around your neighborhood it’s most likely a nylon American flag. Nylon is lightweight to fly in the slightest winds and treated with Solar-Max™ for bright, long lasting color. We use a top quality 200 denier nylon. Our nylon American flags feature full filled embroidered stars and beautifully sewn stripes to display a strong sense of American pride.

Woven Polyester American Flag Fabric – Rugged strength for even the strongest winds! This 100% spun polyester American flag has a 2×2 construction that is intended for use in extreme weather conditions. Simply put, our heavy duty woven polyester American flags are recommended in high wind areas. This tough fabric will withstand rougher weather than the average flag, however it is heavier so it takes more wind to fly. Our polyester American flags feature full filled embroidered stars and beautifully sewn stripes to display a strong sense of pride, as does our nylon American flag.

Cotton American Flag Fabric – For a more “classic look” try our cotton American flag. Though not as fade resistant as the others, this flag has an appeal of it’s own. Our cotton American flags also, feature full filled embroidered stars and beautifully sewn stripes to display a strong sense of American pride.

All of our American flags meet or exceed government specifications and are made in the United States of America.