AmericanFlags.com Blog

Fallen Firefighters

2008-10-05T18:53:00.001-07:00

Did you lower you flags today in honor of fallen fighters? On October 16, 2001, President Bush signed legislation requiring the American flag to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings to memorialize fallen firefighters. Public Law 107-51 requires this action to occur annually in conjunction with observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, which happened today. Flags were lowered at the U.S. Capitol and the White House, and hopefully at buildings and homes in your local community.

Please join AmericanFlags.com in honoring those brave men and women who died as they protected and served others and in thanking those who answer the call each and every day.

New Postage Stamp Features Kansas Flag

2008-09-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Kansas residents and fans now have a first-class way to show state pride. “I urge all Kansans to take a little time from e-mail and text messaging to take time to write a personal letter and use a stamp with a little history of Kansas,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Monday, unveiling a brand new postage stamp featuring the Kansas state flag with a farm scene in the background.

The Kansas flag postage stamp is part of the “Flags of Our Nation” series, which will include the flags of all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia.

The 60-stamp series is being released in alphabetical order over course of the next three years. Kansas is in the second set of 10. The first set featured Alabama through Delaware.

Philatelists can get a special “Kansas Flags of Our Nation” postmark at the Topeka Main Post Office or by mail by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope in a larger envelope addressed to "Flags of Our Nation Postmark," 424 S. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66603-9998. Requests must be postmarked by Oct. 15.

Here's some background on the Kansas State Flag from the Kansas State Historical Society:
Prior to assuming the governorship in 1915, Arthur Capper expressed an interest in adopting a state flag for Kansas. The Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored a contest for a flag design that would "express the spirit of Kansas." The winner, Lawrence artist Esther Estelle Northrup, suggested a flag with three broad stripes--the top one red, the middle one white, and the lower one blue. In the upper left was a gold sunflower on a blue background with the state seal in its center. This design was submitted to the state legislature in, 1917, but was not accepted.

Leading opposition to a state flag were the Native Daughters of Kansas and the Grand Army of the Republic. Both groups felt that the national ensign, "Old Glory," was good enough for the state. Patriotic interests remained in conflict and Kansas continued to be one of the few states without its own flag.

Though numerous designs for a state flag were submitted to the legislature in the ensuing years, not until 1925 was a state banner adopted. Designed to be hung from a horizontal bar, the banner contained familiar elements-the state seal framed in a sunflower centered in a blue field.

State Adjutant General Milton R. McLean found the new banner to be an unacceptable substitute for a state flag. Not only was it impossible to march with, but the banner was also rejected for display with the flags of other states in Washington. Consequently, on March 21st, 1927, an act was signed "designating the form and color" of an official state flag. Basic elements of the design were the state seal centered in a field of blue. Above the seal was the generally unknown state crest--an insignia designated by the U.S. war department in 1923 and consisting of a sunflower beneath which was a bar or wreath meant to symbolize the Louisiana Purchase. Legislation in 1961 added the word "Kansas" to the bottom of the flag and required its display in schools of the state.

The Kansas flag was quickly embraced by residents and patriotic organizations alike. Mrs. O.C. Emery of Wichita has attributed meaning to elements of the flag which may not have originally been intended but which reflect the patriotic spirit the flag elicits. She wrote that "its blue stands for the loyalty and steadfastness of the people of Kansas. The azure, pink and yellow of the seal symbolizes our cosmopolitanism and the melting pot of statehood which has from the contributions of many lands and commonwealths produced a contented, harmonious citizenry, while the open frankness of its sunflower face is indicative of the fearlessness with which Kansas meets her problems and solves them."

Buy Kansas State Flags at AmericanFlags.com.

Talking Trash about the American Flag

2008-09-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Denver Post reported today that Democrats had trashed more than 12,000 American flags in the wake of last week's Democratic National Convention and that the flags had been "rescued" by GOP staffers. The story originated with Fox News, who has since issued a retraction.

DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney issues a statement: "American flags were proudly waved by the 75,000 people who joined Barack Obama at the Democratic Convention. John McCain should applaud that, but instead his supporters wrongfully took leftover bundles of our flags from the stadium to play a cheap political stunt calling into question our patriotism. On the same day he agrees to join Barack Obama at Ground Zero on September 11, John McCain attacks the patriotism of Obama supporters who so proudly waved the American flag at our historic event in Denver just days ago."

Another statement from the Democratic National Convention Committee: "Stories circulating about flags at the Democratic National Convention are false. We distributed more than 125,000 American made flags at the Convention - the flags removed from Invesco field were intended for other events and taken without permission. It's disappointing that someone would take American flags without authorization and then falsely describe how they were being used. We have the utmost respect for the American flag, and it's sad to see them being used for a cheap political stunt."

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, 2008

2008-09-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

President Bush has issued the following proclamation in honor of 9/11....

During National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we pay special tribute to the thousands of innocent victims who died on September 11, 2001. Our Nation honors the brave citizens, service members, police officers, and firefighters who heroically responded in the face of terror. On these important days, we reflect on the terrible events of September 11, 2001, and lift the victims and their families in our prayers.

Our Nation will never forget the individuals who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. America remains inspired by the countless acts of kindness and sacrifice we saw that day -- fearless rescuers who rushed toward danger, a beloved priest who died helping others, two office workers who carried a disabled person 68 floors to safety.

We also pray for the safety and success of the members of our Armed Forces now serving freedom's cause. We seek God's grace on their families, and commit to Heaven's care those brave men and women He has called home. We ask the Almighty to watch over America and pray for His providence and continued blessings on our country. May He always guide the United States of America. As we defend our country against its enemies, we pray for help in protecting the gift of freedom from those who seek to destroy it, and we ask the Almighty to strengthen all those securing liberty on distant shores.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 5, through Sunday, September 7, 2008, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance. I ask that the people of the United States and their places of worship mark these National Days of Prayer and Remembrance with memorial services, the ringing of bells, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I also invite all people across the world to share in these Days of Prayer and Remembrance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

AmericanFlags.com Urges All Americans to Fly an American Flag on 9/11

2008-09-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

As the anniversary of 9/11 draws near, AmericanFlags.com is leading a campaign to encourage every American to fly a US flag on September 11, 2008. As such, AmericanFlags.com is offering deep discounts and free shipping on American flags of all sizes.

"In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, America was bathed in US flags and our country was united in national pride," said AmericanFlags.com President/CEO Jeffrey Reynolds. "Over time, those flags became worn, tattered and torn before disappearing altogether. As we mark this important anniversary and reflect back on that horrific day, our American flags should once again fly high on every home, school and business," he added.

September 11th has been officially designated "Patriot Day" and US flags should be flown at half staff in memory of the thousands of Americans who lost their lives on that day in 2001. A moment of silence is also typically observed beginning at 8:46 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time), marking the first plane crash on that infamous day.

AmericanFlags.com is one of the world's largest retailers of American-made flags, featuring indoor and outdoor US flags of all sizes, handheld flags, residential flag kits, historic flags, military flags and a wide variety of patriotic products. In addition to the web's largest selection of US flags, AmericanFlags.com also features a beautiful limited-edition 9/11 Remembrance Flag to be flown on Patriot Day and year-round.

AmericanFlags.com at Democratic National Convention

2008-08-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

If you watched the Democratic National Convention, chances are you saw our flags! AmericanFlags.com is a proud supplier of American flags to the DNC and several state/local Democratic organizations. We feature only American-Made US flags because we believe that American flags should be made in America. American-made flags are also of a better quality that imported flags - they look better and last longer. AmericanFlags.com congratulates Barack Obama and Joe Biden on their respective nominations; if you're a Barack Obama supporter, be sure to check out our wide selection of Barack Obama car flags and Democratic banners.

We look forward to the start of the Republican National Convention next week!

Vintage American flags on Ebay

2008-08-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

A Connecticut vintage American flag seller has been tossed off of auction site eBay because he refused to sell his flags to countries and individuals hostile to the ideals of the United States. Mark Albino, the owner of C&M Antiques and Collectibles included the following in al his auction postings: "Please note that this flag is not for sale to anyone residing in any country in the Middle East, France, and the state of California (unless you can show proof of serving in the U.S. military) or to any person in any country not allied to the USA. I reserve the right not to sell this flag to anyone I deem may be disrespectful to it. God bless America and its true allies." Albino is a Navy vet and picks up vintage American flags in estate sales, in turn peddling them for up to $500 as an eBay Powerseller. eBay says that sellers can chose whether or not to sell goods internationally as a whole, but cannot exclude particular countries.

While AmericanFlags.com doesn't sell vintage flags, please be sure to check out our wide selection of historic flags.

Today's American flag news

2008-08-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

In Wichita, Kansas, the mother of a Wichita soldier killed in Iraq says someone burned the American flag she flies in her front yard in honor of him. As police investigate the crime, an active duty soldier who heard the news brought Janet March a new American flag.

A former Idaho high school teacher charged with desecrating an American flag will no longer be going to trial. The teacher - Dan Luker - was sschduled to start his trial today but the judge dismissed the misdemeanor charge of public desecration of a U.S. flag. Full story is here.

Rhodes Ranch resident Rebecca Cailor has been told by her local homeowner's association to remove a flagpole and American flag her husband installed more than two years ago. She's offended as her husband served in Vietnam, his father served in World War II, and their son is on active duty in the army. "I feel that I have earned - and my family has earned - the right to fly the American flag in our own home," Rebecca told local tv station News 3. Problem is she lives in a gated community and must abide by the homeowner's association rules which prohibit flagpoles. She's appealed their demand and we join her in hoping for the best. Story is here.

Baseball and American Pie

2008-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Baseball is the great American pastime and AmericanFlags.com proudly features MLB-licensed baseball flags that are MADE IN AMERICA. Forget the knock-offs made in China. Instead, buy a good quality flag at a fair price made with American materials and American hands! Baseball is a great family activity and there's nothing better than showing your team pride with a great flag, garden banner or car flag. Check out our Baseball flags and banners now.

Right now, our most popular baseball flags are as follows:

NY Yankees flags
Chicago White Sox flags
Boston White Sox flags
Texas Rangers flags

Show your team pride with sports flags from AmericanFlags.com!

US Flag Goof on Postage Stamps

2008-08-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Do you see anything wrong with the stamp in the lower right corner?

A recently released 42-cent stamp featuring the American flag against an evening sky appears to have 14 stripes -- one too many

The flag stamp was released by the U.S. Postal Service earlier this year as part of a series of four stamps painted by Maryland artist Laura Stutzman depicting Old Glory at sunrise, noon, sunset and night.

As stamp collector Tony Servies notes in his blog StampsofDistinction.com for the last 190 years, the flag has always consisted of 13 red and white stripes in a specific pattern. There are 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes, with red stripes at the top and bottom of each flag.

Servies concludes that this partially blocked flag, which has a white stripe at the bottom, has at minimum 14 stripes and potentially 15 if the traditional pattern was maintained.

A spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service has been quoted by Fox News as saying, "It’s been noticed." A total of 3.75 billion stamps in the series have been printed to date. Fox quotes David E. Failor, a manager of Stamp Services for USPS, as saying the extra stripe came from a design flaw. A white line, he says, was added to provide definition to the flag and was not part of the original artwork.

"Normally we would send the change back through our fact-checking process," he is quoted as saying. "In the case of this change we didn't do that so the mistake was not recognized. It was brought to our attention after the stamps were issued."

WestWing.com joins the AmericanFlags.com Family

2008-08-06T05:44:00.001-07:00

Our family is growing! We added WholesaleFlags.com to our family last month and this month are proud to announce that we have acquired WestWing.com!

WestWing.com brings the White House to your house with a large selection of unique gifts, presidential memorabilia, keepsakes and Washington DC souvenirs. Celebrate the American Presidency and the majesty of Washington DC with commemorative White House apparel, presidential jewelry, Christmas ornaments, Easter Eggs, glassware, artwork and more. Weigh-in on this November's Presidential election or get a jump on your holiday shopping at WestWing.com!

Our expansion means a wider selection of products for you and better pricing as enhance our capacity. This has been a monumental year of growth for us and are truly excited about the prospects that lie ahead!

National Museum of American History Will Open Nov. 21

2008-07-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will open its doors to the public Friday, Nov. 21, providing a new look at the almost 200-year-old Star-Spangled Banner and a rare chance to see the White House copy of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The reopening will mark the completion of a two-year, $85 million renovation of the building's center core, dramatically transforming the museum's architectural appeal while reorganizing and renewing the presentation of its extensive collections.

Visitors will enter a dramatic five-story sky-lit atrium, surrounded by artifact displays filled with more than 400 objects showcasing the breadth and depth of the museum's three million objects representing the cultural, social, technological and political history of the United States. An architectural representation of a waving flag -- 960 reflective tiles made of polycarbonate material -- frames the entrance to the Star-Spangled Banner gallery. The gallery itself is a climate-controlled state-of-the-art chamber designed to evoke the "dawn's early light." An exhibition that includes multimedia displays and historic objects will tell the story of the flag and the National Anthem.

"For people of all ages, a visit to the National Museum of American History can be a defining event--providing a deep and fundamental understanding of what it has meant to be an American," said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. "Millions of visitors will enjoy new opportunities to explore the American narrative and the core stories of our national experience in an inspiring and memorable setting."

The renovation project focused on three areas: architectural enhancements to the center core, including a grand staircase and a skylight; construction of a new Star-Spangled Banner gallery and updates to the 44-year-old building's infrastructure. Architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP of New York designed the project and Turner Construction Company is responsible for the overall construction. New York design firms Chermayeff & Geismar Studio and C&G Partners are working with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill on the new gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner.

The Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner will return to the heart of the museum in a dramatic new display that provides a contemplative setting for visitors. A 40 by 19 foot abstract representation of the flag will soar above the entrance and will be a focal point of the second floor. The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation generously provided $2.5 million for its construction.

A special enclosure, fronted by a 45-foot-long floor-to-ceiling glass wall, will protect the fragile wool and cotton flag while providing maximum visibility to visitors. The chamber's lighting, mechanical, security and fire prevention systems, as well as the table upon which the flag rests and the new gantry (movable bridge) that museum staff will use to inspect the flag, are designed to work together to ensure the long-term care of the flag. All support structures and mechanisms will be hidden from public view and the flag will appear to be floating.

The 30-by-34-foot banner will be displayed at a horizontal orientation according to U.S. flag code and, in order to reduce stress to the textile, at a 10-degree angle of elevation. Low light levels will protect the flag yet are dramatic enough to evoke an atmosphere of the "dawn's early light," similar to what Francis Scott Key experienced on Sept. 14, 1814, when he penned his poem that became the national anthem in 1931. The room has separate environmental systems maintaining a constant temperature of 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 50 percent.

The first stanza of Key's poem will be projected prominently on the wall above and behind the Star-Spangled Banner. An interactive image of the flag will provide additional information.

The Star-Spangled Banner Preservation Project is made possible by major support from Polo Ralph Lauren. Generous support is provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the U.S. Congress, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the American Express Historic Preservation Fund. The conservation project is part of Save America's Treasures, a public-private project of the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The History Channel, a donor through financial contributions and in-kind gifts, will release a new one-hour special touching on the flag's colorful history, including the specialized conservation treatment undertaken by the museum and the new high-tech flag chamber. A part of the channel's "Save Our History" series, the documentary will air in November.

The Gettysburg Address
Lincoln's short address at the Gettysburg, Pa. cemetery on Nov. 19, 1863, became one of the most eloquent speeches in American history. The manuscript that will be on view in the museum's new Albert H. Small Documents Gallery is one of five drafts, the last known to have been written in Lincoln's hand. Penned in March 1864 for an anthology to raise funds for the Union, it was kept by one of the book's publishers, Alexander Bliss, and was auctioned in 1949. Oscar Cintas, a former Cuban ambassador, purchased it and on his death in 1957, he asked that it be placed in the White House collection. There, the document is displayed in the Lincoln Bedroom, in the private quarters not open for public tours. Mrs. Laura Bush approved the loan of this copy of the Gettysburg Address to the museum for display from November 21 to January 4, 2009.

Renovation
The renovation is made possible through a public-private partnership with $46 million in federal funds and the remaining $39 million from individuals, foundations and corporations. The museum's $80 million dollar donor, Kenneth E. Behring, has contributed $16 million to the project.

The Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center on the second floor will help orient visitors as will six landmark objects located in the wings of each of the three exhibit floors. For example, the Vassar College telescope, circa 1865, and used by the first American female astronomer, will be on the west wing of the first floor, representing science and technology. That wing includes the Lemelson Hall of Invention and Spark!Lab, a hands-on science and invention center.

The renovation also includes the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Lobby for the 275-seat Carmichael Auditorium, new elevators and restroom facilities, food and retail operations. The Constitution Cafe will face Constitution Avenue on the first floor and offer sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts while the lower level 600-seat Stars and Stripes Cafe will serve American fare.

Throughout its reopening year, the museum will present new exhibits and programs with one highlight being the 8,000-square-foot exhibition, "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America" which opens in spring 2009. The Susan and Elihu Rose Gallery, also opening in 2009, will feature changing exhibitions. Programming will take center stage with visitors able to encounter historic characters every weekend and on federal holidays as well as tours, theater and popular song programs. A list of 2008-2009 exhibitions and programs will be available in October.

Visitors may explore virtual exhibitions, collections and find updates via the museum's Web site: americanhistory.si.edu. The public may also subscribe to a monthly electronic newsletter for re-opening updates and upcoming exhibitions.

The National Museum of American History documents the American experience from Colonial times to the present. For more information call Smithsonian Information at (202) 633-1000, (202) 633-5285 (TTY).

SOURCE Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

US Flag Saves Girl's Life

2008-07-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

A lost 12-year-old girl found a vacant cabin in the Blue Mountains and wrapped herself in an American flag to stay warm until searchers located her. Trisha Patterson of Camas was found this morning about 10 miles east of Walla Walla.

Future American Flag?

2008-07-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know....
that the United States Army Institute of Heraldry has plans for American flags with up to 56 stars, using a similar staggered star arrangement should we gain additional states. There are, of course, political movements supporting statehood in Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and Long Island among other areas.

Proposed design for 51-Star American Flag:

Alternate design for 51-Star American Flag:

American-Made Flags

2008-07-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

The United States House of Representatives declared in a nonbinding "sense of Congress" vote that any flag flown on federal property should be American-made. Only American-made flags fly over the Capitol, but more than 8,000 other federal buildings, including courthouses and post offices, are under no such obligation.

AmericanFlags.com applauds Congress on this move as millions of dollars worth of US flags are imported from China and other countries annually. If we are truly concerned about the American economy, then we should be buying goods that support our companies, our workers and our families. It seems like everything around us is foreign-made; we believe that an American flag should be made in America!

NC employee refuses to lower flags in honor of Rep. Jesse Helms

2008-07-13T09:09:00.001-07:00

A North Carolina state employee retired last week after directing his staff to ignore a statewide directive the US flags and North Carolina state flags be lowered to honor the recently deceased Rep. Jesse Helms. The employee - L.F. Eason III - cited Helm's opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the adoption of the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and AIDS funding as reasons for his refusal to honor the late lawmaker.

Missouri Acts to Require Flags Flown on State Grounds be American Made

2008-06-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt signed legislation On June 19th requiring that flags flown on state property be American made. “While we know of no flags that are currently flying on state grounds that were not made in the United States, this legislation ensures this will remain the case for future administrations,” Gov. Matt Blunt said. “It is appropriate to require that any American flag or Missouri flag flown on state property is made in the United States.” House Bill 1784, sponsored by Rep. Tim Meadows, requires any Missouri or American flag flown on state property located in Missouri to be manufactured in the United States of America. While this practice has been the informal policy since the governor took office, the new law ensures the tradition will continue into the future. The flag is displayed on approximately 100 state buildings, parks or properties around the state.

Fourth Of July Facts

2008-06-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

U.S. Census Bureau issues Facts for Features in observance of The Fourth of July 2008
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

2.5 million

In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.

Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970

304 million

The nation’s population on this July Fourth.

Source: Population clock

Fourth of July Cookouts

More than 1 in 4

The chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to 17.6 million market hogs and pigs on March 1, 2008. This represents more than one-fourth of the nation’s total. North Carolina (9 million) and Minnesota (6.7 million) were the runners-up.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

6.8 billion pounds

Total production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2007. Chances are good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for about one-sixth of the nation’s total production. And if the beef did not come from Texas, it very well may have come from Nebraska (4.7 billion pounds) or Kansas (4.1 billion pounds).

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

6

Number of states in which the revenue from broiler chickens was $1 billion or greater between December 2006 and November 2007. There is a good chance that one of these states — Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas — is the source of your barbecued chicken.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

About 4 in 10

The odds that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota, which produced 42 percent of the nation’s dry, edible beans in 2007. Another popular Fourth of July side dish is corn on the cob. Florida, California, Georgia and New York together accounted for 60 percent of the sweet corn produced nationally in 2007.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Please Pass the Potato Salad

Potato salad and potato chips are popular food items at Fourth of July barbecues. More than half (52 percent) of the nation’s spuds were produced in Idaho or Washington state in 2007.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

More than three-fourths

Amount of the nation’s head lettuce production in 2007 that came from California. This lettuce may end up in your salad or on your burger.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Nearly 3 in 4

The chances that the fresh tomatoes in your salad came from Florida or California, which combined accounted for 73 percent of U.S. tomato production last year. The ketchup on your burger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 96 percent of processed tomato production in 2007.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Georgia

The state that led the nation in watermelon production last year (1 billion pounds). Other leading producers of this popular Fourth of July dessert included California, Florida and Texas, each with more than 400 million pounds.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

More than 74 million

Number of Americans who said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. It’s probably safe to assume a lot of these events took place on Independence Day.

Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 1213

Fireworks

$207 million

The value of fireworks imported from China in 2007, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($217 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $14.9 million in 2007, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($3.8 million).

Source: Foreign Trade Statistics

$17.3 million

The value of U.S. manufacturers’ shipments of fireworks in 2002.

Source: 2002 Economic Census

Flags

$4.7 million

In 2007, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($4.3 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.

Source: Foreign Trade Statistics

$2.4 million

Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2007. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $1.2 million worth.

Source: Foreign Trade Statistics

$349.2 million Annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation’s manufacturers, according to the latest published economic census data.

Source: 2002 Economic Census

Patriotic-Sounding Names

31

Number of places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. The most populous one as of July 1, 2006, is Liberty, Mo. (29,581). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

Thirty-one places are named “eagle” — after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. (Places include cities, towns, villages and census-designated places.) The most populous such place is Eagle Pass, Texas, with 26,401 residents.

Twelve places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Mo., with 109,400 residents.

Nine places adopted the name “freedom.” Freedom, Calif., with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.

There is one place named “patriot” — Patriot, Ind., with a population of 192.

And what could be more fitting than spending the Fourth of July in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, population 25,596.

Sources: Population estimates and American FactFinder

The British are Coming!

$107.2 billion

Dollar value of trade last year between the United States and the United Kingdom, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today.

Sources: Foreign Trade Statistics

Canadian Flag News...

2008-06-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Canadian flag faux pas in BraceBridge as flags are displayed improperly in rigid metal frames, rather than on poles. Story is here: http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/449533

Declaration of Independence

2008-06-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

With July 4th around the corner, here's the full text of our cherished Declaration of Independence...

In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is in the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security.

Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the Present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let the Facts be submitted to a candid World.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People; unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only.

He has called together Legislative Bodies at Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with his Measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.

He has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from without, and Convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and Amount and Payment of their Salaries.

He has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out their Substance.

He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our Legislature.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the World:

For imposing taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond the Seas to be tried for pretended Offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an arbitrary Government, and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example and fit Instrument for introducing the same absolute Rule in these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with Powers to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.

He is, at this Time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the Works of Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the Executioners of their Friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic Insurrections among us, and has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an undistinguished Destruction, of all Ages, Sexes and Conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People.

Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Brethren. We have warned them from Time to Time of Attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our Connections and Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of the divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Signed by ORDER and
in BEHALF OF THE CONGRESS
JOHN HANCOCK,
PRESIDENT.

ATTEST.
CHARLES THOMSON,
SECRETARY.

PHILADELPHIA:
PRINTED BY JOHN DUNLAP.

Flag Care

2008-06-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Flag life can be extended significantly if you follow a few simple guidelines:

Only flags made specifically for exterior use should be displayed outdoors.

For the best results, do not expose your flag to rain, snow or abnormally high winds; these forces of nature can shorten its life considerably. Should the flag become wet, it should be spread out and allowed to dry completely. Do not fold or roll-up a wet or damp flag.

To keep its rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly, before soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants “set” in the fabric. Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with warm water and a mild soap, then thoroughly rinsed and spread out to dry. Do not let the flag stand in the wash water or you might experience some color “make off” onto the white stripes.

Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags. Incidentally, many establishments will clean Old Glory free of charge, especially during the period just prior to Flag Day, June 14.

Do not place the flag where the wind will whip it against rough surfaces, tree branches, wires, cables, etc. The smallest tear can soon result in a tattered flag. Keep pole surfaces free of heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion that could damage your flag.

Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear. In particular, look for “normal wear” fabric or thread breaks which may occur in the “fly” end. This is the end farthest from the staff. Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend the life of your flag.

How long will a flag last? This is no exact answer. The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset – but not during periods of inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one-fourth as long as one flown during the daylight hours only. Regardless of how well it is constructed, a flag is, after all, only a piece of cloth and will sooner or later succumb to the elements. However, it has been well documented that reasonably good care can contribute greatly to longer life.

Note to Large Flag Users
(12 x 18 ft. and up)
Larger flags naturally represent a more significant investment and as such, should be given maximum protection. Pay special attention to paragraph #5 and keep your flag in good repair. Consider having two flags and rotating them on a regular basis. Tests have shown that flag fibers actually benefit from periodic “rest”. Also, you will not be without a flag while one is being cleaned or repaired.

Memorial Flag Cases made in Vietnam?

2008-05-31T10:22:00.001-07:00

We were shocked recently to find an online flag retailer based in upstate NY selling flag display cases MADE IN VIETNAM!?! Can you imagine purchasing such memorial case - perhaps, in honor of a loved one who lost their life in the Vietnam War - only to find out that it wasn't made here in the United States, but in Vietnam???

AmericanFlags.com is proud to feature flag display cases and medal shadowboxes produced right here in the United States - North Carolina and Virginia - to be exact. We feature only well-made hardwood flag cases and leave the pressboard, second-rate stuff to the competition. Flag cases are often handed down through generations and are designed to honor the fallen. An heirloom-quality flag case MADE IN AMERICA is the only way to go! See our huge selection of flag display cases here.

Flag Day is June 14th!

2008-05-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

The idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the American Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, arranged for students in his Fredonia school to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.

On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the New York State Board of Education. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.

Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach, who at that time was historian for the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution, the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small American Flag.

Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.

In 1894, New York's Governor directed that on June 14 the American Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.

Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."

Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

Florida Man Faces Lawsuit for Flying Flag

2008-05-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

A day after Memorial Day comes this news item reported by News Local 6 in Florida..

"Central Florida war veteran faces a lawsuit for flying the American flag in his front yard. "I don't understand why it would bring down the values of our homes by flying the American flag from a pole in my front yard," homeowner Jimmie Watkins said. Watkins and his wife, Ria, received a final notices from the Sussex homeowners' association in Clermont that they must remove the flag or else face legal action.

The former retired U.S. Navy communications officer said he refuses to back down for the American flag.

"Our people are serving today to give us freedom," Watkins said. "To do as we like here within the law of America. It is my right to fly my flag from my pole and until a court of law tells me to haul that down. I will not haul it down. I think about all of the people who have served our nation and all of the lives that it's costs and all of the friends that I've lost."

Local 6 reported that all surrounding subdivisions in Kings Ridge allow a flag pole display in a person's front yard.

Jim Hart, who handles property management for 1,500 properties, including Sussex, said it is the association's call and not his.

"Each sub-association has its own set of documents and they can differ," Hart said. "The rationale for that only exists within the minds of the folks that are doing it. I can't sit here and tell you why."

The homeowner's association is not commenting about their rules. But state law said anyone can display a flag in a "respectful manner" as long as it is removable, Local 6 reported."

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

The “Memorial” in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and liberty. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember those Americans including our ancestors, family members, loved ones neighbors and friends who have paid the price for the blessings of liberty. You can change this by doing the following:

- By visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
- By flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. Memorial Day is a day of "National Mourning."
- By attending religious services of your choice.
- By visiting memorials.
- By participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3:00 PM local time, to pause and consider the meaning of the day and for taps to be played where possible.
- By renewing a pledge to aid the widows, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Thank a veteran on Memorial Day.