Member Article

How to Buy the United States Flag

Flags are crucial for identity and they show patriotism. It isn’t a necessity to have a flag in or out of your home, but if you wish to have one, then you have to be very conscious about the flag you purpose to buy. This article outlines some of considerations to have in mind when buying a US flag. They include:

Buy from a reputable supplier

The danger of buying from a shady supplier is that you may end up spending a lot on a poor quality flag. To prevent this from happening, check out online reviews and testimonials from some of the sites selling the flags. Look out for licensing and authenticity of the site.

Quality

You must buy a high quality flag. The flag should be bright and bold but you must get assurance that the flag has been treated well and is resistant to deterioration from the sun or chemicals. It should be able to hold its colors against strong ultraviolet rays from the sun. The resistance indicates that the flag will stay put for a long time.

Form and functionality of the material

If you are buying a flag from a store by the street, then it can be easier to pick out since you can feel the fabric. However, if you have to buy online you have to believe the seller’s words.

As a rule of the thumb, a flag with a good form and functional abilities is made heavy-weight 200 nylon denier. This makes the flags long lasting as they are tough. The stripes have two rows of superiorly locked stitching while the ends of the flag have four rows of stitching to prevent fraying and unravelling. The stars are densely filled with embroidery.

The size of the flag

This is perhaps the most important thing to consider. You cannot buy flags blindly. For an in-ground pole, the size of the flag depends on the height of the pole. Basically, the flag should be at least a fourth or not greater than the size of the pole.

The proportions demonstrating flag size to pole ratio are available below. These are: exposed pole heights: 20’, 25’, 30’, 35’, 40’, 45’, 50’, 60’, 70’ and 80’ corresponding with flag sizes of 3′ x 5′, 4′ x 6′, 5′ x 8′, 6′ x 10′, and 8′ x 12′, 10′ x 15′, 12′ x 18′, 15′ x 25′, and 20′ x 30′ respectively. Adhering to these sizes ensures that you have an appropriately sized flag by your home.

Location

Have the flag pole and the flag situated at a place where the flag will not touch the ground. The space around the flag should permit free flying and falling of the flag. This means that it shouldn’t touch any obstructions like buildings or trees.

Lighting source

According to the stated laws, the flag should be up between sunrise and sunset. However, when you need your flag up 24/7, it has to be illuminated. This implies that you should have a source of lighting.

In conclusion, the United States Flag is a sacred item that holds great significance. Attention to detail and extra care is therefore necessary. Remember not to hoist the flag in violent weather or in the rain unless you have an all-weather flag or when the flag isflying at half-staff. Keep in mind the maintenance costs and how to best care for the flag at home. You should also know how to fold the flag.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlie Brown .