Category: Flag Blog

Top 5 Products for Labor Day Weekend

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It’s that time of year, again. Schools are resuming session, their doors opening to sunburnt, some bummed, summer kiddos. Sports are returning from hiatus, their practices and games coming back into play. Amusement parks are trying to squeeze one more weekend out of you and your wallet, vying for just a little bit more of your time and money. I am of course talking about Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of Summer. The time where we get one more weekend to get our butts on the lake. One more weekend to get together with our friends and family before the busy season kicks in and revs itself into high gear. One more weekend to just bask in the warm glow of summer’s goodness and all it brought. Sweet sunny rays and lounging on the porch. One more weekend to party your little hearts out in whatever way suits your fancy.

Does it involve grilling? Hot dogs? Hammocks? However you like to spend your Labor Day weekend, we have put together this list to help aid you in your celebration. Celebrated nationally since 1894, Labor Day was the turning point for the American worker. With a holiday to celebrate them and all they do, we started to see more and more labor laws go into effect. 12-hour days and 7-day weeks would no longer be the norm, at least for the vast majority of workers in the industrial world. This was thanks to the plethora of unions sprouting up all over the place and many more people organizing on their own accord to fight for a better way to live. Labor Day is a pretty great holiday. Not only is it a wonderful time to commemorate and honor workers all over the world and country, past and present, but it’s a whole heck of a lot of fun to do it together. Here at the United States Flag Store, we have compiled a list of our Top 5 Products for your Labor Day Weekend Celebration!

Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com

1. USA MADE 3×5′ American Flag

First things first, let’s get you set up with a new American Flag. Whether you don’t have one or maybe it’s just time to replace that Old Glory that hasn’t come down for the better part of a decade, it is always great to make sure your symbol for The United States of America is in tip top shape and suitable to be the center of attention or as an eye catcher at your party. The flag I am going to recommend for you today is the Super Tough brand 3′ x 5′ American Flag. It is easily one of our most popular flags with a 5-star rating from over 800 reviews. This flag is made of nylon and won’t require too much wind to see ‘er wave at you. Made 100% in the U.S.A., there’ not many better ways to honor American workers than by buying from American workers. Not only that, but it’s also super fade resistant and tough to beat.

2. Valley Forge 20ft Flagpole

In addition to updating your American flag, we also offer a beautiful 20ft Flagpole to proudly display your flag at home, having a flagpole increases curb appeal and you can hang 2 flags at once on the same pole like your State flag or Military flag under the American Flag. This particular flagpole kit also comes with a free American Flag! Our customers love this flagpole and often comment how easy installation was and that it is very durable.

3. Decorate your front porch with a Patriotic Pleated Fan

You can show your red, white and blue in more ways than just the flag, but also with a patriotic pleated fan! These look great on entryways, porches, railings and add that extra bit of flare and zest to your party and home. Celebrate this historical holiday with these historical decorations from yesteryear.

Photo by Greg Gulik on Pexels.com

4. Gather around an American Flag Firepit

Labor Day weekend is the perfect time for a bonfire. The weather is cooling off at night, making it the perfect opportunity to gather round a nice, warm fire. This American Flag Firepit is made of steel and in the U.S.A., so you know your fire is going to be safe and well contained. We have two different options for this one, a tattered American Flag and standard American Flag, made with a laser cut design with the classic look of unfinished steel, you’d be hard pressed to find a cooler piece of practicality and patriotic pride.

5. Get ready for your local Labor Day Parade with Small Hand Flags

You know there is going to be some parades going on, what better way to add to the celebration than to bring some American stick flags? We have got a wide array of American stick flags to meet whatever needs you may have. Whether you are looking for an 8″ x 12″ or 12″ x 18″, spear tip, ball tip, no tip, no fray and sewn edges, we got you covered. Make your parade super special and memorable by handing out these flags to some excited kiddos who get to experience the celebration and pride for the first time.

There you have it! Just a little list from us at the United States Flag Store to try and help you ring in this fantastic holiday. These products are sure to bring your festivities some patriotic vibrancy. And just remember, whatever you wind up doing, always strive to be safe and have fun.

Decorating for Thanksgiving with United States Flag Store

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Decorating for Thanksgiving has never been easier with decorations from United States Flag Store! Check out our selection of holiday flags and spritz up your home décor! We carry a variety of Thanksgiving flags from whimsical and animated to classic and religious. Most flags are available in both garden and banner size. No matter what style you’re looking for, we are sure to have a flag that will work for you. Shop all of our Banner and Garden Flags here!

Animated Thanksgiving Flags

Thanksgiving flags don’t need to be serious! Enjoy these adorable animated flags, meant to uplift your front yard and make passersby smile with Thanksgiving joy.

“Gobble Gobble” banner flag (left)
“Happy Thanksgiving” banner flag (right)

Religious Thanksgiving Flags

Looking to showcase Thanksgiving festivity and celebrate your most meaningful reasons to be thankful at the same time? Our selection of religious Thanksgiving flags make for beautiful decorations.

“Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good” banner flag (left)
“Harvest Blessings” banner flag (right)

Classic Thanksgiving Flags

If you’re looking for a basic Thanksgiving flag, we got you covered. From turkeys to flowers to pumpkins, we have it all!

“Happy Thanksgiving” with turkey banner flag (left)
“Happy Thanksgiving” floral banner flag (right)

Why stop at flags?

We also carry other Thanksgiving décor, like these cute hanging decorations! Look below and imagine how charming this pilgrim turkey or scarecrow would look hanging from your front porch. These outdoor decorations are manufactured using high-quality polyester material with fade and weather resistance, so you can use them for multiple seasons!

Turkey Twister Tail 40” (left)
Scarecrow Twister Tail 42” (right)

We also carry decorative mailbox covers so you can spread Thanksgiving joy to the postage deliverers and all who drive past your home! Check out these festive mailbox covers with lovely phrases and designs, pictured below. These strong magnetic covers attach to most standard sized metal mailboxes.

“Gather and Be Grateful” mailbox cover (left)
“Happy Thanksgiving” mailbox cover (right)

What are we most thankful for here at United States Flag Store? You! Thank you to all our customers. We hope you have a happy Thanksgiving!

Honoring Service Members This Veteran’s Day

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Veteran’s Day is fast approaching on November 11th. Flags are one of the most beautiful and timeless ways to show your thanks and pay tribute to all the dedicated men and women who have served our country. 

We all know that flags make great decorations, but they also make for terrific gifts and serve as an easy way to show your American pride. We offer durably made American flags in several sizes, ranging from flags on a handheld stick the whole way to 20’ x 30’!

We carry a vast selection of flags representing each branch of the military including the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. Take a look below at just a handful of the military flags we have to offer. Our military flags are available in several sizes.

Top (left to right): Air Force, Army, Marine Corps flags
Bottom (left to right): Navy, Coast Guard, Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flags

At the United States Flag Store, we know flags. Our flags are made with heavyweight nylon or polyester, providing great durability even when flying outside against the elements. However, we carry way more than just outdoor flags. We also offer indoor flags, car and motorcycle flags, and garden flags.

If you’re not looking for a flag but still want something to show your respect this Veteran’s Day, the United States Flag Store also carries unique flag accessories. Flag pins are perfect when pinned on a hat or jacket lapel. Or, show your pride by placing a new decal on your vehicle! We also carry a complete line of military grave markers that make for a beautiful way to honor fallen soldiers and veterans.

To all service members, including active duty, veterans, and those who have left us: we sincerely thank you for your service and your dedication to this great country.

Happy Veteran’s Day! 

Newsweek Magazine: United States Flag Store is #3 for “Collectibles”

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Congratulations to everyone at United States Flag Store! 

In September 2019, United States Flag Store was awarded in Newsweek magazine’s inaugural list of the Best Online Shops 2020! This list includes 1,000 online stores, each ranked within their respective industries ranging from “Garden, Furniture & Supplies,” “Hobby, Leisure Items,” “Car, Motorcycle, Boats,” and many more. 

How was the award determined?

This is no simple award. Over 9,500 online stores were initially assessed using 48 subjective and objective criteria. Stores that passed the initial evaluation were then assessed by Statista Inc., a data-research firm, according to 41 additional criteria. Data was also collected by a nationwide survey of over 8,000 American online shoppers. Shoppers thoroughly evaluated each online store according to seven subjective criteria. As a result of this data analysis, 1,000 online stores spanning eight industries and 39 categories qualified for the inaugural list of the Best Online Shops 2020.

United States Flag Store ranked as the #3 online store in the “Collectibles” category

United States Flag Store is a leading supplier of durable high quality flags, flag poles, and flag accessories in the United States. Despite our name, we carry a diverse selection of flags including thousands of countries, religions, and sports. We also offer specialty flags such as military and POW flags, and decorative flags for every major holiday. No matter what type of flag you’re searching for, we are sure to carry it! 

Thank you to our excellent employees and valued customers – this award would not be possible without you!

Interested in seeing all we have to offer? Visit our online store.

To read the published Newsweek article and see the full list of online shops, please visit here.

Have questions or comments? Please contact us toll free at 1-877-734-2458.

Veterans Day

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Veterans Day 2018 will be the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended World War I.

Veterans Day celebrates the service of all United States military veterans who have fought and who continue to fight today. Previously known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11.

The history of Veterans Day dates to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when a truce, or an armistice, between Germany and the Allied Nations came into effect, bringing an end to World War I. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was proclaimed by President Wilson and commemorated United States’ veterans who served in World War I for the first time. In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized November 11 as the end of World War I and declared that day as the anniversary of the armistice.

The American effort during World War II saw the greatest mobilization of the United States Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force in the nation’s history (more than 16 million people); some 5.7 million more served in the Korean War. In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans”. President Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on Armistice Day officially became known as Veterans’ Day and therefore, became a holiday honoring American veterans of all wars.

The next chapter in the story of Veterans Day unfolded in 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which sought to ensure 3-day weekends for federal employees. This idea was to encourage tourism and travel by celebrating 4 national holidays (Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day) on Mondays. The observation of Veterans Day was set as the 4th Monday in October. The first Veterans Day under the new law was Monday, October 25, 1971; confusion ensued, as many states disapproved of this change, and continued to observe the holiday on its original day.

In 1975, after it became evident that the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Ford signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th beginning in 1978. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively.

Traditionally, Veterans Day is viewed as a time of honor and remembrance. Annually, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades, church services, and other celebrations are held throughout the United States.

United States Flag Store is here to answer all your questions. Feel free to give us a toll free call at 1-877-734-2458 or email us at support@onlinestores.com.

National Pennsylvania Day

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July 20th, 2018 is National Pennsylvania Day! Why July 20th, when Pennsylvania entered the Union on December 12, 1787? No idea. Nevertheless, we’ll take this opportunity to learn some fun facts about Pennsylvania (or P-A as we like to call it). And even though I’m from Pittsburgh, I’ll throw some love out to Philadelphia, too.

Pennsylvania’s State flag is more of a square than a rectangle. It is composed of a blue field on which the State Coat of Arms is embroidered. The Pennsylvania coat of arms features a shield crested by an American bald eagle, flanked by horses, and adorned with symbols of Pennsylvania’s strengths—a ship carrying state commerce to all parts of the world; a clay-red plough, a symbol of Pennsylvania’s rich natural resources; and three golden sheaves of wheat, representing fertile fields and Pennsylvania’s wealth of human thought and action. An olive branch and cornstalk cross limbs beneath—symbols of peace and prosperity. The scroll at the bottom reads Virtue, Liberty and Independence.

We all know that Pennsylvania is rich with history, so let’s learn some fun and interesting facts about Pennsylvania:

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers merged to form the Steagles for one season in 1943. The teams merged because both lost so many players to military service during WWII.

In 1909 the first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh (Forbes Field).

The first daily newspaper was published in Philadelphia on Sept. 21, 1784.

Pennsylvania is the birthplace of a lot of America’s favorite junk food. A short list of Pennsylvania-founded companies includes Rita’s Water Ice, Hershey’s, Tastykake, Just Born (makers of Peeps), Auntie Anne’s, Herr’s, Planters, Utz, Wise, and Snyder’s of Hanover. Many of these are located in a part of central Pennsylvania that’s commonly called the Snack Belt.

The iconic banana split sundae was born in 1904 in Latrobe, Pa., when 23-year-old David Evans Strickler was experimenting with new sundaes while apprenticing at the local Tassel Pharmacy.

United States Flag Store is here to answer all your questions. Feel free to give us a toll free call at 1-877-734-2458 or email us at support@onlinestores.com.

Celebrating Flag Day

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Flag Day is celebrated in America on June 14th to commemorate the day the first flag resolution was passed. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a flag resolution stating:

Resolved, That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.

The first national observance of Flag Day was on June 14, 1877; 100 years after the flag resolution was adopted by the Continental Congress.

So, who came up with the idea of Flag Day? In the late 19th century, schoolteachers all over the United States began steering patriotic ceremonies commemorating Flag Day as a way to teach children about history. One such schoolteacher was Bernard J. Cigrand, who is often referred to as the “Father of Flag Day.” He lobbied Congress for many years for Flag Day to be officially observed.

Other patriotic groups, including the Colonial Dames and the Sons of the American Revolution, also spent years trying to convince Congress to make Flag Day official.

Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation stating that June 14 shall be National Flag Day in May of 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after President Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949 that it was made official by President Truman, who signed an Act of Congress to designate June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

United States Flag Store is here to answer all your questions. Feel free to give us a toll free call at 1-877-734-2458 or email us at support@onlinestores.com.

The Story Behind Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

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Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5 in Spanish, is probably one of the most misunderstood holidays that Americans celebrate. In fact, Cinco de Mayo isn’t even a holiday, Mexican or American. May 5th isn’t even Mexico’s Independence Day. That is celebrated on September 16.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. Mexico had trouble paying back war debts to European countries, and France had come to Mexico to collect that debt.  The French army, under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez, led 6,000 French troops out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east-central Mexico. From his headquarters in the north, Mexican President Benito Juarez rounded up a motley force of 2,000 loyal men and sent them to Puebla.

The Battle of Puebla lasted from daybreak to early evening when the French finally retreated after losing nearly 500 soldiers.  Fewer than 100 Mexicans had been killed in the clash. Although not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, the success at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and strengthened the resistance movement. In 1867 – thanks in part to military support and political pressure from the United States, which was finally in a position to aid its besieged neighbor after the end of the American Civil War – France finally withdrew.

Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, although other parts of the country also take part in the celebration.  Traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla and other festive events.  It is not a federal holiday, so offices, banks and stores remain open.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is more of an American celebration than a Mexican holiday.  A celebration that includes parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, Mexican food and probably a few margaritas.

United States Flag Store is here to answer all your questions.  Feel free to give us a toll free call at 1-877-734-2458 or email us at support@onlinestores.com.

Choosing a New Flagpole

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With warmer weather finally here, now is the perfect time to put up a flagpole and raise your flags. To start with, you will need a good flagpole. But who has quality flagpoles? That’s where  Eder Flagpoles come in. Manufactured in Wisconsin, Eder Flags are the largest manufacturer of flags and flagpoles in the United States. Eder Flagpoles are made for both  indoor and  outdoor use. They also make some of the best quality flags out there. These flags are durable thanks to poly-max, a material that allows the flag to last much longer.

Wall Mount Flag Poles are some of the most common flags you’ll see when you are driving through the neighborhood. If you want to get one of your own, then you can try  Valley Forge’s . Their flag kits are perfect for your home or business and are easy to put together, especially since each kit comes with the appropriate accessories. Just like Eder Flags, Valley Forge makes their flags and kits right here in the USA.

Finally, we have our flag pole  accessories which are crucial to having an outdoor flag and keeping it looking beautiful.  Flagpoles,  lighting, parts, and more are available for everything your outdoor flag needs. Add some flair to your flagpole with ornaments ranging from stars to eagles or stay simple with conventional  ball ornaments .

Enjoy your flag outdoors and have a wonderful Spring and Summer!

United States Flag Store is here to answer all your questions.  Feel free to give us a toll free call at 1-877-734-2458 or email us at support@onlinestores.com.

Vexillology – For the Love of Flags

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Vexillology is the study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags.  While it is a tough word to pronounce, vexillology is certainly an interesting field of study.  Someone who studies flags is a vexillologist and someone who designs flags is a vexillographer.

Derived from the Latin word vexillum , the Romans used this term to refer to a kind of standard with a fabric hung from a horizontal crossbar on a pole.  It is the nearest equivalent in the classical languages to what we call a flag today.

The term vexillology was born in 1957 by United States scholar, Whitney Smith Jr. (February 26, 1940 – November 17, 2016) and first appeared in print in 1959. Smith went on the co-found “The Flag Bulletin,” the world’s first ever journal dedicated to flags in 1961. One year later he established the official Flag Research Center in Winchester, Massachusetts.

Smith went on to organize the First International Congress of Vexillology with Klaes Sierksma in Muiderberg, Netherlands in 1965. Both Smith and Sierksma joined Louis Mühlemann in founding the International League of Vexillologists and were members of its Governing Board from September 1965, and operated until September 1967. The league was replaced by the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (known by its French acronym FIAV) with Smith as vice-president of the Provisional Council as of September 3, 1967. In 1969, Smith moved from being FIAV Provisional Council vice-president to being the first Secretary-General of FIAV.  Smith was also responsible for founding the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) and the Flag Heritage Foundation.

Smith wrote 27 books on the subject of flags including Flags Through the Ages and Across the World, The Flag Book of the United States, and Flag Lore of all Nations. Smith was the designer of the national flag of Guyana (pictured below) and served as a vexillographer to a number of governments and organizations.  Smith was also part of the committee that developed the flag of Bonaire.

Smith described the process of creating a design that is appropriate to the subject of a flag with Britannica, stating “The best symbols should have a clear meaning. The essential idea is to create something pleasing but also significant” – Flags of the World: 5 Questions for Vexillologist Whitney Smith Encyclopedia Britannica Blog June 2011

Since World War II, interest in flags has expanded beyond their creation and use. Political scientists, historians, sociologists, and others recognize them as artifacts, expressions of the cultures of certain times and places. Learning about flags is fun (just ask Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory on CBS) and connects to such a wide range of other things to learn:  art and design, history, politics, cultural geography, religion, law.

United States Flag Store is here to answer all your questions.  Feel free to give us a toll free call at 1-877-734-2458 or email us at support@onlinestores.com.