Spirit of America

November 14, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 1 Comment

Heroes!? Are they real outside the comics? Absolutely! In our frenzied world we are growing a whole generation and more who have a very minimal understanding of who a real hero is. More and more as the Greatest Generation fades away there is a compelling need to define HERO! Dale Hemphill has done a wonderful job with his Spirit of America flag. He has produced a symbol that defines both hero and gratitude. It intends to plant a picture and vision of who a real hero is on the hearts and minds of the American public and beyond!

A US Navy veteran himself, Dale Hemphill designed Spirit of America as the emblem for his Spirit of America Foundation/Forgotten Heroes USA. The Spirit of America Flag is the only flag of its kind. It honors the veterans and heroes of wars past and our current soldiers who are fighting for our freedom. This flag also pays tribute to the many heroes and civilians who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Made in the U.S.A. Made out of nylon known for its weather resistance. Measures: 3′ x 5′.

According to Mr. Hemphill, “the nice thing about this flag is that it covers everything – 911, men and women, the cold war, you name it.” It has a rich history itself. “I started designing this in 1979 with the hostages in Iraq situation, when they were in captivity for 444 days. I’ve had my design stolen and even had the copyright cut out of the flag.”

The “Spirit of America” insignia was designed to recognize our men and women of the military forces and the battles they fought. “I recently updated it to include the eagles,” Dale told us. The insignia is graphic and intentional to remind us of many events and qualities of the Spirit of America:

Spirit of America – Uniting Together
Eagle – Freedom
Red – Bloodshed
Blue – Valor and Bravery
50 Stars – 50 States
POW/MIA – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
8 Stars – 8 Men who died in Iran rescue attempt
Beirut – 241 American troops who lost their lives in barracks explosion
Red/White/Blue ribbon between flag staffs – Firefighters, Policemen, Port Authority, Paramedics and EMT’s who died
Yellow Ribbon – All the Heroes and civilians who gave or lost their lives on 9/11
2 red/white/blue stars bordering the insignia – represents the Twin Towers
Wars – Revolutionary War, War of 1812, U.S. Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Unfortunately after the parades are over and the flags cased, the gratitude we owe our veteran heroes – of whatever war or incident of national consequence like the brave men, women, and first responders of 9/11 – is often tucked away for another day as well. We must not, we cannot forget! These heroes are the bedrock of American patriotism and exceptionalism! They are the Spirit of America!

Due to his passion that we not forget, Dale Hemphill has founded the Spirit of America USA Foundation. The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 by a naval veteran realizing the need for historical recognition of American’s heroes and the sacrifices they made for our country. Its stated mission:

To identify and prioritize veteran’s health issues; to coordinate a unified agenda, strategies, and action for effective legislative public health policies for homeless veterans and their families, and educational campaigns.
To provide information on educational resources, research, and timely legislative activities; to develop educational and outreach program training materials for the homeless and destitute.
To encourage the establishments of support groups and self-reliant employment, promote self-respect and dignity.
To improve communications among local, regional, national, and international support advocacy organizations and individuals by providing expertise, assistance, and networking information; to establish a network linking support groups or veterans organizations by fax or computer.
To network with other veterans organizations or individuals with regulatory, legislative, public health, social welfare, and disability organizations; to establish relationships with environmental labor, consumer, minority, children’s advocacy and other veteran’s support groups with common agendas; to insert veteran’s health issues into the mainstream of total health issues; to promote veteran’s justice.
To promote health issue research; to promote fund raising events for funding of health issue research.
To coordinate a research data base project in conjunction with established support and advocacy organizations to access the prevalence of service-connected disabilities; to provide data for lobbyist and researchers.
To establish both standing and special committees to focus on veteran’s health issues and veteran’s issues in general that coordinates national campaigns for veterans and their families.
To coordinate fund raising, donor development, grant writing, and customer active programs which will accomplish coalition goals and ensure financial stability and growth; to hire staff members to ensure schooling for the less privileged children of veterans; to provide shelter for the homeless and their families; to provide proper health care for the uninsured; to promote self-employment which establishes self-respect, dignity, and income to those less fortunate.

As the Spirit of America Foundation continues its mission to promote patriotism and the appreciation of our veterans, it has expanded its reach to help veterans in need in today’s tough economy. FORGOTTEN HEROES USA, LTD, supports the mission of the Spirit of America Foundation by offering patriotic products honoring America’s hardships in history dating back to the Revolutionary War to present day Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. A percentage of each purchase is donated to the Spirit of America Foundation.

Forgotten Heroes

As we refresh our memories
Of all the wars gone by
Let each of us be grateful
For our “Heroes” you and I
They gave their all that we may live
In a country good and free,
“Lest We Forget” They did it all
For the likes of you and me.
Remember the “Heroes”
Who fought our wars
And kept “Old Glory” flying
Those who gave their utmost
And saved us all from dying.

Richard Hemphill – WWII

To all our veterans and heroes – the true Spirit of America – THANK YOU!

~AH

Happy Birthday, US Navy!

October 13, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Today marks 239 years for the United States Navy, starting with the Continental Navy, when the Continental Congress authorized the procurement of 2 armed vessels, on October 13, 1775. By the end of our War of Independence we had almost 50 ships with 20 warships in our fleet.

I live in Pensacola, Florida and we are a Navy town. Our Naval Air Base Pensacola is a longtime site for maritime vessels. This is called the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.”

NAS Pensacola is the primary base for Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard Aviators. In 1825, President John Quincy Adams designated this area for the Pensacola Navy Yard. The Navy Appropriations Act of 1911 made the possibilities of Naval Aviation.

We are also home of the Untied States Navy Blue Angels. The Blue Angels were formed in 1946 for the morale of the Navy. We are real proud of “our” Blue Angels around here. We get two shows, one out on Pensacola Beach and then their Homecoming Show in November.

My Grandbaby Lilly was here in July and we went out to the beach for the show. As you may imagine, it was a perfect day. The show in November will be held out on the base and we will be going out for that too.

Our Navy is rich in history. Their motto is “Not Self, But Country,” or “Non sibi sed patriae”. With that in mind, Honey and I took our pup to take a run out to the beach just last night. As we were unloading the truck, a polite young man came up to us to “borrow” a smoke, I asked: “Do you have a lighter?” Oh, yes ma’am. About 5 minutes later he came out to the water for that light. My Honey asked, “what you boys doing?” He said they were stationed out to the base. My Honey, being the Marine Vet he is, reached around and gave that young man a twenty spot, “just to get through”.

I was standing in the water looking toward two different generations of Military men and thinking “Not Self, But Country”

**Jacquie

United States Air Force

September 18, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Today the United States Air Force turns 67 years old. Under the National Security Act of 1947 signed on September 18 aboard President Harry S. Truman’s VC-54C presidential transport (the forerunner to the Air Force One), this Act re-structured the military’s agencies after WWII, creating the Department of the Air Force. This is the most recent, largest, most technologically advanced Air Force in the world. In 1907, the War Department the first preceding Air Force. In WWII almost 68,000 US Airmen died helping win the war. Before 1947 Air Defense was shared between the Department of Army for land based operations, The Navy for sea-based operations from aircraft carriers and amphibious air craft and The Marine Corps for close air support for infantry operations.

In general the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both combat and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war. National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 502)

The USAF core functions today are Nuclear Deference Operations, Special Operations, Air Superiority, Global Integrated ISR, Space Superiority, Command & Control, Cyberspace Superiority, Personal Recovery, Global Precision Attack, Building Partnerships, Rapid Global Mobility and Agile Combat Support. A very long list I had no idea the Air Force did to maintain our National defense until researching their Birthday.

67 years does not seem to be a long time, considering we have only been using air craft to support ground troops since The Korean War. My daddy was in the Air Force during the late 50’s- early 60’s. Daddy was a diesel mechanic and worked on planes. He was stationed mainly in the Azores and then at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan where he met and married my momma. My daddy passed away in 2010 and there is not a day that passes that I do not miss him. He was a GREAT story teller. So to all of our Airmen, past, present and future:

Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun

**Jacquie

September 11, 2001

September 10, 2014September 10, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 2 Comments

I try to write a factual history when I blog. Today I cannot give you statistics and facts. Because today is about what you feel as an AMERICAN. It is what you feel to live in the United States. It is about thankfulness for being born in the greatest country in this world. This day is for REMEMBRANCE for the simple people that became HEROES 13 years ago – 13 years that we have been remembering, honoring and continue to fight for our great Nation.

I remember every moment of the day of the attacks. I was at work and my girls were in school, 30 miles away. Can you tell me your reaction, thoughts and feelings? I bet you can remember every little thing you felt. How scared you were. How you just wanted to be with your family in that moment of crisis. As the day wore on and news came over the radio and television we saw our First Responders, our Firefighters, EMT’s and Police Departments do what they do best: come to the aid of those in need.

I am reiterating this oath so you may read what our forefathers gave us in the 1860‘s: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. (www.senate.gov)

Take some time, whether it be a time of silence, prayer, thanking someone that goes out in a uniform everyday or flying your flag. Honor Old Glory today! God Bless America. Noble eagle. Enduring freedom. Remember September 11, 2001.

Proud American,

Jacquie

August Flag Trivia

August 25, 2014August 25, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Three States ceded into the Union in the month of August throughout our history. Missouri was the first on August 10, 1821. It was the 24th State and that brought our National Flag to 24 stars and its design was 3 rows of 6 stars with alternating red and white stripe. Then came Colorado on August 1, 1876. It was the 38th State and the 38 stared Flag was 5 rows of alternating 8 in a row and 6 in a row. On August 21, 1959 Hawaii became the 50th State to join the Union. The individual State Flags can be found on the United States Flag S tore for a great low price.

Our 50 star Flag has a unique story that I would like to share because the adding of the 50th Star was done by a High School Senior. It was designed by Robert Heft, a 17 year old that was doing a history project. He took a 48 star Flag and measured out 100 stars on the blue section. Now this was back in 1959 and Alaska had just been admitted into the Union and this young man was pretty forward thinking. So he sewed the stars on with anticipation of Hawaii becoming a State. He turned his project in to his teacher Stanley Pratt. Well Pratt was not too impressed and Heft only received a B-. Heft, thinking ahead as usual argued his point that there would be 50 states in the future. Pratt told him if he could get Congress to accept his design he would change his grade to an A. Heft then sent the Flag to Congressman Walter Henry Moeller (Ohio) until we needed a 50 Star Flag. By August of 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation to add Hawaii to the Union.

Congressman Moeller brought Heft’s Flag to the design committee where President Eisenhower himself choose Hefts’ design out of over 1500 others to choose from to become our National symbol. On July 4th, 1960, Bob Heft stood with President Eisenhower to watch the first 50 Star National Flag be raised. The 50 Star Flag has flown over the United States for 54 years now. What an accomplishment for a young man of only 17 years old. Mr. Heft passed away on December 12, 2009. You may hear Bob’s story in his own words on Story Corps at http://storycorps.org/listen/bob-heft/

Just to let you know Bob did finally get his “A” on his history project!

~Jacquie

Flag Day

June 16, 2014June 16, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Flag day this year brought us our fourth Show Us Yours! photo, from Darryl M. in Diamondhead, MS.

We love this montage that he sent us. Darryl shares that he loves to fly all the flags he orders from us, and says quality is the biggest factor when choosing! “I change them out twice a year to keep them in good condition.” This is great advice. “I also use your 20ft telescopic pole for my weather station,” he adds.

What about that weather station? “I have been a weather spotter since 1991. I report to two TV stations: one in New Orleans, LA; and the other in Biloxi, MS.” He said he looked around for a long time for something on which to put his weather station – then found our site and the 20ft telescopic pole. “It works perfect. I can lower it down when I have to do maintenance on it. It is a great price and high quality pole. You can see it on the pictures I sent to you. Feel free to visit my website anytime!”

We’re not ones to turn down an invitation, so we are passing along his link, where you can again see the beautiful triptych Darryl submitted: http://darrylmeltondiamondheadweather.com/

Darryl, please let us know what you end up getting with your credit. Thanks so much for sharing!

Priceless!

June 9, 2014December 23, 2022 ~ Online Stores ~ 1 Comment

US Flag Stores received their third entry (second official but that’s a story for another day) in our Priceless! campaign, requesting loyal customers to show us their products in exchange for a $25 credit and tons of appreciation. The rules are simple – a photo of any of our store’s products in use, emailed to elizabeth.stubna@onlinestores.comalong with your customer email or name, and the SKU/item number of the product – will get you fame and fortune. Ok, not much of either, but some of both.

Eddie (USMC) and Jacquie M. of Florida sent the photos you see here in this blog. They purchased 500 of our little American made flags for Memorial Day and placed them around Veteran’s Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida to honor others.

When we notified Jacquie of the thank-you credit posted to her account, she replied, “I can’t wait until Eddie gets home. I kinda want to be selfish and get him the US Marine Corp flag, but I will wait ’til we decide together.” If thinking of picking out something for someone else is “selfish,” may we all be that selfish. Thank you to you both!

Beautiful couple, beautiful photos!

He Showed Us His!

May 30, 2014May 30, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 1 Comment

United States Flag Store, in conjunction with the other merchants of Onlinestores, Inc., is currently inviting owners of our products to send us photos of them in use or on display. For our loyal customers’ efforts, we are rewarding them with $25 in store credit, and displaying their photos across our social media.

Stephen N. of MA sent us this photo of the United States Flag Store flag in his front yard. “[Here’s]…my American Flag on the flag pole in my front yard. One of the things I like best about the home we purchased.” This quality Valley Forge flag is SKU #USA46SPVF . It is a sturdier flag designed for colder climates and has a 6-month warranty. Stephen purchased it two years ago and has been flying it ever since. A repeat customer that first ordered from us in 2008, Stephen also flies a US Marine Corp flag that he bought from us. “I proudly fly the American-Made flags I purchase from Online Stores.”

Thank you, Stephen!

Priceless!

May 19, 2014May 19, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Clever picnic invites: $10
Bug spray: $5
3×5 Made-in-the-USA Flag from the United States Flag Store: $25.70
Having your photo on United States Flag Store’s website: Priceless!

Send us your photos of our products in use or on display. If we use your picture, we will send you a $25 thank-you gift to be used on any of our merchandise! email photos to elizabeth.stubna@onlinestores.com with the product’s website item number or SKU, and the name and address on your registered account, so we can be sure to get your prize to you!

Please note the following: you must be a registered user of united-states-flag.com to receive your non-transferrable credit code. (you can register here: https://www.united-states-flag.com/customer/account/create/) Limit one credit code per registered user of united-states-flag.com. Submitting photos indicates your agreement that the photos are your own, and everyone identifiable in them has given consent to have their likeness used by us for any purpose on any onlinestores.com website. Photos must be accompanied by the SKU or item number from united-states-flag.com.

Aluminum Flag Poles

April 28, 2013December 28, 2022 ~ emilyrex ~ Leave a comment

The United States Flag Store is your one-stop online shopping website for flags, but we also sell a variety of high-quality flag poles and flag pole kits. Because we offer our own Online Stores brand of many of the flag pole kits, we’re able to offer you great products at unbeatable prices, sometimes over 50% off the list price. Read on to learn about a few of the options available for aluminum flag poles and kits.

The 20-foot Flag Pole Kit includes everything you need to fly your favorite flag. The flag pole is made of high quality, maintenance free, 16 gauge aluminum and has a gold ball on top of the flag pole. The total length of the pole is 22 feet, with 2 feet at the bottom intended for cementing into the ground. The flag pole is 2 inches in diameter and disassembles into 5 sections (each section is 57 inches). The rope, all fittings, and plastic ground sleeve for cementing the flag pole into the ground are also included in the kit. This kit is designed for easy installation at home without expert assistance or a crane. Order this kit today for only $69, a savings of $81 off the list price. This is truly an unbeatable deal!

If you live in an area that has more extreme weather, the Heavy Duty 20-foot Residential Flag Pole with Valley Forge Nylon Flag is the perfect option for you. The flag pole included in the kit is 3 inches in diameter and tapers to 2 inches in diameter at the top. The flag pole consists of 5 silver anodized, 16-gauge seamless aluminum tubing sections that fit together for a smooth and tapered appearance. The flag pole includes a 3-inch diameter gold anodized aluminum ball ornament at the top, with the option of upgrading to a gold metal eagle. The flag pole kit also includes a solid braided polypropylene rope with two strong flag snaps, cast nylon rope cleat with mounting screws, heavy duty ground sleeve, and a 3-foot by 5-foot sewn nylon Valley Forge U.S. flag with embroidered stars. Order this great kit today for only $149.95!