I'm not really what you'd call a flag waver — though I did wear a flag vest with red and white fringe down to my knees during my hippie days! The American flag, however, is a visible symbol of all of us and for all of us. I think every house should have one and display it.
Many years ago I discovered that you can request a flag that's been flown above the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C. on a specific day from your U.S. Representatives in Congress. I ordered a flag that would be flown on the day Mark and I got married. You have to order well in advance and then wait for delivery which means it will always be a belated gift.
I saved ours for when we moved into our first house a year after our wedding. But you can save it for a couple's first Christmas or first wedding anniversary. I've also bought them for other important occasions, like a 90th birthday. I love the fact that not only is our flag from Mark and my big day in 1988, but it also came via Wisconsin's legendary Senator Bill Proxmire, whose name is prominent on the box.
Check your representative's Web site for details. Flag information is usually listed under constituent services. Typically you must be a resident of the district or be sending the flag to someone who is. All flags are sold at cost plus shipping and handling. The cost varies depending on size, material and whether you just want a flag or one that has flown over the Captiol. Those flags come with documentation, which costs extra. If you happen to live in Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District like we do, our great Congressman Mark Pocan has all the current info to purchase a flag here.
Our flag came with two grommets in the corners, so we just put a pair of cup hooks in the underside of the roof over the front door. That way we can quickly put the flag out and take it down without needing anything other than flag itself.
Betsy Ross has complete rules for flag display and folding here.
Hadn't thought about "Prox" in a while; good memories of our Progressive traditions in WI. May it rise again!
Posted by: Elizabeth | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 09:11 AM
Confusion to George the Third!
Happy Fourth.
Posted by: Nell | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 10:13 AM
Good information Linda. I hope you and Mark have a grand 4th of July. Try to stay cool. Cheers.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 10:45 AM
He could be a little crazy now and then, but he fought the good fight when needed.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 11:18 AM
The former (first and only other) owners of my house in Spokane had a flagpole installed in the patio, right off the kitchen door. From what I later learned it was a bit of a neighborhood landmark. One of the first things I did upon moving in was to remove it. It's a wonder the neighborhood still accepted me!
Your flag looks wonderful where you have it placed.
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 12:20 PM
Flag yes, flagpole no. Growing up we had a pre-WWII flag that was huge and hung between two porch posts. It went from the ceiling to the floor and was totally cool. I decided I was not going to let the righties claim the flag which is why I ordered one for us.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 02:04 PM
I love your flag and its story! We have one that came to us through my husband's family. Our house conveniently came with a mount attached to the arbor over the front entry, which makes hanging it relatively easy.
Posted by: Kris P | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 02:44 PM
Very interesting to know!
Posted by: Phillip | Wednesday, July 04, 2018 at 07:01 PM
A good reminder that the flag is for all of us. Your flag's story makes it even more special. Thanks for sharing the information about ordering a flag for a special day. Hope you had a happy Fourth!
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Thursday, July 05, 2018 at 03:28 AM