FlagSource handles hundreds of calls each day on general orders and questions regarding our product. Here, we have tried to compile a list of most commonly asked questions and their answers. The list is categorized by general questions regarding flags, questions about the product, and questions involving flagpoles. Feel free to browse all categories or focus on the one that interests you.

We hope you find this list useful. If you have any questions, contact a sales representative either by phone or by email.

General Flag Information

• What do the colors on the U.S. flag represent?
• What does the yellow fringe mean on an indoor flag?
• What are the parts of the United States flag?
• How do I correctly display my U.S. flag?
• Where should the United States flag be positioned relative to other flags?
• Can the flagpole be displayed at night or in bad weather?
• When can I fly the flag at half-mast?
• How do you fold a flag?
• What is the proper way to dispose of a flag?

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Product Specific

• What are the different sizes of flags?
• What are the different types of starfields that I can get on a U.S. flag?
• What size flagpole is appropriate to what size flag?

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Questions about Flagpoles

• Where should I install my flagpole?
• I live near the ocean, will salt water corrode my fiberglass flagpole?
• What kind of foundation do I need for my flagpole?
• Can I install my FlagSource flagpole on top of my office building or gas station, etc.?
• How do I rerig my internal flagpole and how often should I change parts on my flagpole?

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General Flag Information

What do the colors on the U.S. flag represent?

"The colors of the United States flag were derived from British flags familiar to the men who made the first American flag. The following is an excerpt written by Jim Kirby; Bellevue, NE, used during the flag disposal ceremony:

The red stands for courage and reminds you of the blood shed by millions of men and women of our military forces protecting the freedom of others.

The blue field and 50 stars should remind you of our 50 states, united in freedom, and is also emblematic of the stars decked heavens above which look down and keep watch over you at night.

The white stands for purity, purity of thought, word and deed, may you practice these virtues in your daily dealings with those in whom you are in contact."

What does the yellow fringe mean on an indoor flag?

A gold fringe is sometimes added to silk or rayon flags when used indoors or carried in a parade. The flag can also be decorated with gold cords and tassels on its staff. The custom is derived from a military tradition but is neither required nor forbidden by law.

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What are the parts of the United States flag?

The parts of the U.S. flag include the canton or field, the hoist or heading, the grommet, the short, the long, and the fly end. Below is a diagram indicating all the location of each part.

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How do I correctly display my U.S. flag?

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

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Where should the United States flag be positioned if there are other flags present?

No flag or pennant should be placed above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak.

When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flags' right.

When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the flag of the United States of America should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

More Flag Display Information

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Can the flagpole be displayed at night or in bad weather?

Section 174(a) of Title 36 states: "It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, the flag may be displayed at night upon special occasions when it is desired to produce a patriotic effect."

If flying the flag day and night, make sure the material is strong enough to withstand such conditions and is replaced promptly when it begins to show signs of wear. It is generally not desirable to fly the flag outdoors when the weather is particularly inclement because exposure to severe winds and rain may damage the flag or pole on which it is displayed.

When flying the flag at night, the flag code states that if the flag is displayed in darkness it should be illuminated. The flag code does not specify what this means but a spotlight is the usual source of light. We believe that ambient lighting (e.g. in a mall parking lot) is also sufficient if present.

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When can I fly the flag at half-mast?

By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principle figures of the United States Government and the Governor of the State, territory or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff.

On Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), to honor all who died in battle, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff for the remainder of the day.

The flag, when flown at half-staff should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

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How do you fold a flag?

The quality and beauty of a flag is best preserved by folding and storing it when not in use. To properly fold a flag, two people should face each other, each holding one end of the flag. Stretch it horizontally at waist height and fold in half lengthwise. Fold the flag in half lengthwise again (if folding the U.S. flag, the union (blue field) should be on the outside with edges held together). One person holds the flag while the other starts at the opposite end by making a triangular fold. Continue to fold in triangles until the flag resembles a cocked hat. If you are folding the U.S. flag, start the triangular folds from the end opposite the star field and fold until only the stars remain visible.

Flag Folding Illustration and Sample Ceremony

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What is the proper way to dispose a flag?

In many American communities, one or more organizations (such as the American Legion) render an important community service by collecting and overseeing the proper disposal of old, worn, tattered, and/or frayed U.S. Flags. Some organizations make it an annual service project; others announce when and where Flags will be accepted. Often, community newspapers, radio, and TV stations help broadcast the availability of the service. Churches, synagogues, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and businesses sometimes have served as "drop off" locations for the collection of worn flags. Any American Legion or local VFW can put you in contact with an approved disposal facility.

If many U.S. Flags are collected, it may be desirable to seek assistance from a corporate, government or military facility which maintains an incinerator or furnace that can readily burn the flags. According to the United State Flag Code 36s 176(k): "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." This burning occurs during a formal ceremony conducted by an approved flag disposal organization.

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Product Specific

What are the different sizes of flags?

Standard flag sizes for U.S., State, and World Nations (in feet) are 2x3, 3x5, 4x6, 5x8, 6x10, 8x12, 10x15, 12x18, 15x25, and 20x30. Miniature U.S. and state flags are available 4"; x 6"; and boutiques are 3x5. Custom flag sizes are designed to customer specifications.

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What are the different types of starfields that I can get on a U.S. flag?

Starfields come in three different styles. Our Nylon I U.S. flag boasts embroidered stars with no gaps or blue show-through. Appliqued stars are used on U.S. flags 15x25 or larger as well as on 3x5 historical flags. The stars are made of opaque white nylon with zig-zagged stitching on the edges. Printed stars are brilliant white plastisol ink screen printed on blue. The printing is a deep penetrating process that ensures long fabric life and vivid contrast between stars and background.

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What size flagpole is appropriate to what size flag?

The maximum size flag on a flagpole varies depending on what material is used to construct the flagpole. FlagSource sells aluminum and fiberglass flagpoles.

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Questions regarding Flagpoles

Where should I install my flagpole?

It is important to select a location for your pole where it cannot be struck by automobiles, bicycles, shopping carts, lawnmowers, or any object that can damage it. Be aware of overhead obstructions; avoid any location in the vicinity of power lines. Also, do not allow poles to lie around a job site; keep the pole straight and dry during storage and erect as soon as possible after delivery.

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I live near the ocean, will salt water corrode my fiberglass flagpole?

Not FlagSource's fiberglass flagpoles. FlagSource's fiberglass flagpole will not corrode or rust, which further enhances the pole's strength and beauty. This is particularly important near salt water.

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What kind of foundation do I need for my flagpole?

Foundation requirements depend upon the flagpole's height and diameter and, importantly, on the type of surrounding material, i.e. gravel, dirt, sand, clay, etc. Dig a hole 4-5 times the diameter of the pole and deep enough to allow the ground sleeve to be either flush or about an inch above the ground surface. If the pole is never going to be moved, then the ground sleeve can be flush with the ground surface. Although, if you know eventually you will want to move your flagpole, then have your ground sleeve about an inch above ground. Just pop the split ring compression collars out of place and slide your pole out of the ground. All you will have to do is buy a new foundation tube assembly kit. Then center the ground sleeve in the hole and f ill about 2"; of crushed rock in and around it for drainage. Fill around the ground sleeve with concrete. When the hole is about 1/2 full, plumb the ground sleeve by placing a level into the ground sleeve at two points 90 degrees apart. As you continue to fill the hole with concrete, check the sleeve to be sure it remains plumb.

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Can I install my FlagSource flagpole on top of my office building or gas station, etc.?

FlagSource's flagpoles are designed and manufactured for ground installation and should never be installed on buildings or other structures without first consulting the factory. The factory will not be responsible for product failure resulting from installation made contrary to these or other instructions issued. No warranty will be entertained unless the pole is installed in the ground.

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How do I rerig my internal flagpole and how often should I change its parts?

Lower the flag and remove everything connected to the halyard. Cut the halyard above the tape where the thimble is attached. Make sure that the cut is clean. Take the new halyard and butt it up to the old one. Join the halyards together with electrical tape, be careful to make the tape thin enough to go over the pulley yet strong enough so that the halyards will not separate. Pull the halyard from the inside of the pole, raising the new halyard to the top. When the joint gets to the pulley, pull through gently, do not jerk. After the new halyard is pulled through, remove the old halyard and fasten the new halyard to the bracket inside the pole and attach the new snaphook.

In FlagSource's experience, it is recommended that a pole be rerigged every 12-18 months for the most optimum wear on your parts. Any longer than this you stand to take a chance of parts breaking due to wind. FlagSource recommends changing the following internal flagpole parts: the halyard, cleat, screws for the cleats, and snaphooks. In addition, FlagSource also recommends changing the retaining ring, the weight, Tamper Proof screws for Internal doors, and Quick links.

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