HOW LONG SHOULD MY AMERICAN FLAG LAST?

Whether you purchase the nylon or polyester flag material your flag will eventually tear and fade. Therefore, there is no exact or definite answer for this question.

The U.S. Government usually expects a flag to last 90 days based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset – but not during periods of inclement weather. Flags that are subject to flight 24 hours a day will have a shorter life than those flown only during daylight hours.

Factors that limit the life of your flag are wind, rain, sun and airborne contaminates such as pollutants, smoke and dirt. Remembering to take your flag down in inclement weather will help in lengthening the life of your flag.

There are ways to help lengthen the life of your flag:

1. Take it down during inclement weather.
Wind is much more forceful during storms. High winds will whip your flag causing it to contract and expand which weakens the fabric. Rain has much the same effect, as the fabric tends to “expand” with water weight and contract upon drying. If your flag does get wet, take it down to dry. Drying your flag on a flat surface helps it retain its shape. If it is allowed to dry on the pole it may stretch the material due to the “weight hang”.

2. Clean your flag regularly.
Cleaning your flag often removes dirt and contaminants that may lodge in the material. You can clean your flag by washing it in warm water and mild detergent. It is best to handwash your flag as you do not want to let it sit in wash water, which may cause color run on the white stripes. If you are uncomfortable handwashing your flag most dry cleaners usually offer discounts for cleaning the American flag.

3. Keep the fly end away from obstruction.
To cut down on tearing, make sure you do not fly your flag where it can get caught on obstructions such as roofs, tree branches, wires, cables etc.

4. Watch for signs of wear.
Flag life can often be extended by a little “Tender Loving Care”. If you check for small tears and repair them before they become large rips your flag will have a longer life.

The most important thing to remember is that your flag is a patriotic symbol but it is also made of cloth. It has been fortified to stand up to the elements but eventually it will succumb to them. However, with a little vigilance and care a longer flag life can be achieved.
Once your flag is beyond repair you must retire it. Retiring your flag is the proper, dignified way to dispose of the flag. The United States Flag Code states “ The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no long a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Although there is no official ceremony, you should dispose of your flag with a solemn dignified event in a non-public location. If you do not feel qualified to retire the flag on your own you can always contact your local Boy Scouts or Veterans of Foreign War organization. These organizations have regular ceremonies and will be glad to retire your flag with honor and dignity.

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What’s really inside a flagpole ball?

It is an age-old question…what is inside a flagpole ball? The correct answer is NOTHING. The main purpose of a flagpole ball is for decoration. A flagpole ball is constructed of two curved pieces of aluminum welded together and placed on a ½” threaded rod to be inserted into the flagpole truck. The ball has been commonly referred to as a truck but the correct terminology would be finial. The truck is the housing for the pulley system. Attaching the ball to the truck also prevents water from going into hollow flagpoles, as most trucks come standard with threaded holes to accommodate the ball.

Urban legends suggest that there are symbolic items placed in the ball to ensure that invading enemies would not capture our nations flag. The items themselves vary, as do the stories.

The most popular items claimed to be stored in the ball are a razor blade, a match, and a bullet. In this scenario when the military unit as been decimated, the last soldier would take down the flag, cut it into strips with the razor, burn the strips and used the bullet to commit suicide so that his secrets cannot be captured. In most cases the gun belonging to the bullet is buried at the base of the flagpole.

There are of course variations on this simple story. One popular variation is that the razor is used to cut the flag away from the halyard and not used on the flag itself. Another variation is that the bullet is used to defend the flag instead of using it to commit suicide.

In some cases additional items are hidden with the original items. Depending on the version, the extra item can be a grain of rice or a grain of wheat. The rice is used as fuel for the soldier to defend the flag and the wheat is to be used to rebuild food supplies should the soldier prove victorious in defense of the flag. Another additional item said to be inside in the case of victory would be a needle and thread to repair the flag if it has taken damage. There has also been mention of a pencil in order to write down events for historical documentation. A penny is often rumored to assure that the United State will never be broke.

Most legends pertain directly to the military so the average person need not be concerned with installing the appropriate items. In conclusion there are many different scenarios to be considered.