So, you want to fly an American Flag in front of your hame. Good for you! But, what do you need to know about buying the right sized flag with the right materials for outdoors, considering durability and sun exposure? What are your choices for displaying the flag? Here’s some very useful information about how to go about buying a flag, flag poles and ultimately, mounting it for display.
The US Flag Shows Your Colors- Red, White and True Blue
From Betsy Ross’ first efforts to sew an emblem of a new nation, to the Star Spangled Banner flown in the War of 1812 that inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem that would become our national anthem, to the stars and stripes that were hoisted amid the wreckage of the World Trade Center after September 11, the U.S. flag represents the principles, the hope, and the perseverance of the United States and of the American people.
Individuals and businesses purchase U.S. Flags to demonstrate their patriotism and their support for our country and for the men and women who serve in our armed forces. Yet, because most people buy very few U.S. flags over the course of their lifetimes, it’s sometimes difficult to know what kind of U.S. flag to buy, or which flag would be most appropriate for the use you have in mind. Here, then, are some pointers:
Materials for Outdoor U.S. Flags
The four most popular brands of U.S. flags are Dura-Lite, Bulldog, Champion, and Endurance. Dura-Lite U.S. flags are known for their durable nylon fabrication, rich colors, versatility, and sewn stripes. Bulldog flags are made from high quality cotton, and feature embroidered stars and sewn stripes. Champion flags are constructed from durable polyester, and are known for withstanding the elements - like moisture, wind, and sun. These extra rugged flags are typically employed for institutional uses, and feature either sewn or embroidered stars and sewn stripes. Endurance flags are made from rugged mesh nylon with appliqued stars and sewn stripes. The mesh reduces wind resistance, giving the flag a very long life, while its light weight gives it extraordinary flying ability.
What Size is Right?
When you purchase U.S. flags, the size of the flag is largely dependent upon the size of the flagpole. A 15-foot flagpole, for example, would fly a flag no larger than about 2-1/2 feet by 4 feet. A 30-foot flag pole would fly a U.S. flag about 5 feet by 8 feet, and a 40-foot flag pole would fly a flag about 8 feet by 12 feet.
Flying the U.S. Flag at Home
Most people don’t have flagpoles in their front yards, and so opt for U.S. flag residential mounts. There are several options available. One is an aluminum flagpole that measures five feet by one inch and that is recommended for flags that are either 2 feet by 3 feet or 3 feet by 5 feet. You can also purchase pole sets that have a heavy-duty two-position mounting bracket and 1-1/2-inch aluminum pole. Some pole sets come with a decorative eagle, poles that extend up to 6 feet, and a pewter finish.
If you don’t wish to use a bracket and pole, you can certainly display your U.S. flag on your balcony, windowsill, or against the wall. When you do so, proper flag etiquette dictates that the flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, with the stars displayed on the flag’s own right. This means that, when you’re standing in front of the flag, the star area (also called the union) should be to your left.
The US flag is a wonderful symbol of the liberties and principles that we hold dear, and those who purchase U.S. flags are always encouraged to proudly display the stars and stripes.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about How to Purchase U.S. Flags or Majon’s Shopping - General directory.
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June 27 2008 | American Flags | No Comments »
Flags aren’t just for pride in our nations any more - many people are choosing to display a variety of Garden Flags and Banners to liven up their landscaping or for holidays and other special occasions, too. There’s really no limit to your imagination for including flags in your garden. The article that follows offers an entire panoply of suggestions.
Decorate to Celebrate With Garden Flags and Banners
Flags, banners and windsocks bring in a festive look. We tend to use decorative garden banners and flags outside the home. A pole is fixed to the house and this goes through the sleeve at the top of the banner which hangs down vertically. Flags, on the other hand hang on a conventional flagpole to represent your colors. Of course, there is no particular restriction that flags and banners must only be hung outside the house. Banners are larger than garden flags.
Garden flags are used on any occasion both inside and outside the house. Inside, they are hung as wall decorations. The most common places where we see large and mini garden flags are below the mailbox, along the driveway of the house, on the patio, porch or deck and the lawn. Often, flags are put up when a favorite sport is on, to support your favorite team or to celebrate a national holiday with the American flag. There are a variety of styles, colors and sizes in garden flag.
A mini garden flag can go up the regular way on a stand. You can also fix them to your car window or the windows of your home with the help of suction cups.
In addition to decorative garden banners and flags, windsocks or wind spinners are also used as decorations. Windsocks are like wind chimes that do not make any sound and can be as long as forty feet. These are hung from trees or from the side of the house and are usually cylindrical in appearance. Windsocks can also be hung on the same pole as your banner, if you have one. They have tassels at the end that cheerfully blow in the breeze. Windsocks can also come in different fun shapes such as animals and yes, they make great gifts too.
Garden flags can also be used to make wedding announcements, baby arrival news, and a whole lot of other special occasion messages. Some people just put their monogram on the house and garden flags. By putting up these flags or banners, you can add color to your home. They can be displayed the year around be it summer or winter.
Since banners and flags come in various sizes it is better to first measure the area in which you intend to place them before you buy them. Make sure that they are not too close to your outdoor cooking equipment, fireplace or bbq.
Interestingly, heat sublimation, silk screening or applique processes are used to make banners and garden flags. With heat sublimate flags, an artist drawing is printed with sublimation inks that permeate the fabric of the flag in such a way that it looks just like the original artist work. These kinds of flags look beautiful. The silk screened flags print the design on the surface of the fabric. Usually the heat sublimation and silk screened flags show only on one side of the flag. The appliqued flags are constructed by appliqueing several pieces of a picture together with a zig zag stitch and you can see the design on both sides of the flag.
You will need flagpoles and other display equipment to show off your flags and banners. You can either fix them to the sides of the house or drive them into the ground depending on the space available. Many people prefer to display their garden flags on a stand alone pole. Window hangers are handy for those who do not have the luxury of a porch or garden.
Flags and banners can be used over and over when you look after them. Since the ones hung outside can fade over time, applying a coat of scotch guard can leave them looking new for a longer time. Some people prefer to hang them out only on occasion and at other times, just wash and preserve them for the next time when they will need them.
About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products. Visit the Market Merchants website: http://marketmerchants.com
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June 18 2008 | flags | No Comments »