SaluteFlags

In 1999 Steve Pack , Owner of Allied Flag began the process of creating the first vertically integrated manufacturer of American flags, purchasing and revitalizing a textile facility in Bogolusa, Louisiana to provide embroidery capabilities for producing American flags in the U.S. Allied maintains a 100,000 Sq Ft. manufacturing facility as well in Kansas City, MO where the fabrics and embroidered materials are combined to create premium quality American flags. How Can I Be Sure of Allied Flag Quality? Allied Flag is the largest supplied of American Flags to U.S. Government Agencies and meets the highest specifications for American flag production in the United States. You can find our flags in the offices of the United States Senate and in the gift shop at the U.S. Capitol. More importantly, you can find them in the field with our military men and women serving all over the globe. Starfield Image Stitching Image Grommet Image Header Image Allied Flag embroiders each star with a stich count of at least >>> threads to create a thick and large star that is not transparent – there is no skimping on our starfield Our talented staff stitches using same color thread on the blue and red stripes, so the flag colors are clean and clear. Durable brass grommets ensure a sturdy hold for your American Flag even in harsh conditions. Our flag headers are reinforced with heavy duty stitching and materials for a durable and long lasting flag. As a Veteran Founded Business We Proudly Support These Non-Profit Organizations that Benefit Veterans and Their Families Flag Resources History of American Flags Flag Buying Guide Flag Flying Etiquette Flag Flying Holidays Flag Care and Maintenance Flag Disposal Locations Customer Support Contact Us Newsletter Sign Up Shipping & Returns Gift Cards Satisfaction Guarantee Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Our Company Company History Locations American Flag Buying Guide What’s the best material to choose when purchasing an American Flag? That depends on how you plan to use the flag and where it will be displayed. INDOOR USE or SHORT OUTDOOR DISPLAY (Parades or Events) Cotton - for traditional indoor flags in a school, a local veterans club – or for use in parades where the flag will be outdoors just for a limited time, a traditional cotton flag is wonderful because it has a rich classic appearance that makes them ideal for ceremonial display. They are very soft, so they drape in a classic way and historically this natural fiber has been used for centuries. That is why the cotton flags are used by the Veterans administration as internment flags - presented to the families of United States Veterans as memorials. OUTDOOR FLAGS Nylon – Nylon is a great choice for outdoor American flags. It is durable and most importantly it is fade resistant, so these flags remain vibrantly colored for longer than most fabrics. Nylon is also light weight and for outdoor flag displays where the wind isn’t strong very often – these lightweight flags will still wave nicely in the breeze offering a beautiful display. Nylon offers an affordable yet durable option for outdoor flag displays. Polyester- Polyester is the most durable outdoor flag material for your American Flag and can withstand very extreme weather and wind conditions. This heavy-duty material is less likely to tear or fray in high winds, intense sunlight or heavy rain when compared to Nylon. The fabric is heavier however and will not wave as easily in still or low wind situations due to its weight. History of the American Flag The American flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes, was first adopted on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress. The original design featured 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 white stars on a blue field, representing the original 13 colonies. • The flag has undergone several changes to accommodate the admission of new states, with the current design featuring 50 stars. The iconic design is credited to Francis Hopkinson, a member of the Continental Congress, while Betsy Ross is often celebrated for sewing the first flag. Over time, the flag has become a symbol of national pride and unity, representing the values and history of the United States. Flag Day, celebrated on June 14, commemorates its adoption, reflecting its enduring significance in American culture. Company History In 1946, Allied’s founder, Louis Pack, returned from WWII and noticed a scarcity of automotive parts. To meet post-war demand, he innovatively sourced military surplus parts abandoned after the war. In the 1950s, Allied began refurbishing and supplying components for military trucks supporting the Korean War effort. Allied expanded in the 1960s and 1970s, growing its defense contracting business to include producing weapon forearms, tank components, and jeep parts while still servicing military transport trucks. In the late 1970s, Louis Pack retired and scaled down the defense contracting business. His son, Steve Pack, leveraged their manufacturing expertise to establish Federal Procurement Consultants (FPC), coordinating small manufacturers to win defense and federal contracts, thus supporting U.S. manufacturing. In 1986, FPC struggled to find manufacturers for the M16 Buttstock. Unable to secure a partner, Steve reopened Allied Materials’ manufacturing capabilities in Kansas City, MO, becoming the prime contractor for M16 A2 Buttstocks. He sought further opportunities, winning a federal contract for Chembio Protective Systems, supplying bioprotective units for jetfighters and ground troops. Allied then pursued contracts to produce textiles for the Veterans Administration, DOD, and GSA, becoming the first vertically integrated manufacturer of American Flags. This initiative revitalized the textile industry in Bogalusa, Louisiana, acquiring the necessary embroidery capabilities for American flag production. It has been our pleasure to revive textile manufacturing and skills in the U.S., supporting American jobs. Today, Allied Flag is the largest producer of American Flags for government agencies in the USA, now offering the same high-quality flags to the public. Key Dates to Fly the American Flag 1. New Year's Day (January 1) 2. Inauguration Day (January 20, every four years) 3. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January) 4. Lincoln's Birthday (February 12) 5. Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February) 6. Easter Sunday (date varies) 7. Mother's Day (Second Sunday in May) 8. Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May) 9. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May, half-staff until noon) 10. Flag Day (June 14) 11. Father's Day (Third Sunday in June) 12. Independence Day (July 4) 13. National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27) 14. Labor Day (First Monday in September) 15. Patriot Day (September 11, half-staff) 16. Constitution Day (September 17) 17. Columbus Day (Second Monday in October) 18. Navy Day (October 27) 19. Veterans Day (November 11) 20. Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November) 21. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7, half-staff) 22. Christmas Day** (December 25) 23. State holidays and observances (varies by state) Additionally, the flag should be flown on days proclaimed by the President of the United States and on the anniversaries of states' admissions to the Union American Flag Care and Maintenance Proper care and maintenance of the American flag ensure it remains a symbol of pride and respect. Here are the guidelines: Cleaning and Storage: Cleaning:  Hand-Washing: Gently hand-wash the flag with mild detergent in cool water. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.  Machine-Washing: If the flag is made of durable materials like nylon or polyester, it can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.  Drying: Air-dry the flag to prevent damage from high heat. If using a dryer, use a low heat setting and remove the flag promptly.  Ironing: Use a low heat setting to iron out wrinkles. Be cautious with synthetic materials that can melt under high temperatures. Storage:  Fold Properly: Fold the flag correctly into a triangular shape to protect it and save space.  Cool, Dry Place: Store the flag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage.  Protective Covering: Use a storage case or wrap the flag in acid-free paper to protect it from dust and moisture. Repairing:  Minor Repairs: Small tears or frays can be mended by hand or machine stitching using matching thread.  Professional Repair: For significant damage, consider having the flag professionally repaired. Replacing:  Condition: When the flag is worn beyond repair, replace it with a new one.  Disposal: Dispose of the old flag respectfully, preferably by burning it in a dignified manner. Many veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion, conduct flag disposal ceremonies. American Flag Care and Maintenance Display Care:  Weather Protection: Avoid displaying the flag in inclement weather unless it's an all-weather flag designed to withstand such conditions.  illumination: If displaying the flag 24 hours a day, ensure it is properly illuminated during nighttime.  Secure Fastening: Regularly check that the flag is securely fastened to its pole or display mount to prevent damage from wind. By following these care and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure your American flag remains in good condition and is treated with the respect it deserves. American Flag Care and Maintenance Displaying the Flag: 1. Raising and Lowering: The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 2. Time of Display: Display the flag from sunrise to sunset. It can be displayed 24 hours if illuminated during darkness. 3. Weather: Do not display the flag in inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag. 4. Position: When displayed against a wall, the union (blue field with stars) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way. 5. On a Pole: The flag should be hoisted to the peak of the staff unless at half-staff. When flown at half-staff, first hoist it to the peak for an instant and then lower it to the half-staff position; raise it again to the peak before lowering it for the day. American Flag Etiquette according to the U.S. Flag Code: Respecting the Flag: 1. Saluting: All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. 2. During the National Anthem: Stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Uniformed service members should salute from the first note to the last. 3. Pledge of Allegiance: Stand at attention, facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart. American Flag Etiquette according to the U.S. Flag Code: (continued) Handling the Flag: 1. Never touch the ground: The flag should never touch the ground, floor, water, or anything beneath it. 2. Carrying the Flag: It should be carried aloft and free, not flat or horizontally. 3. Displaying with Other Flags: When flown with other flags, the U.S. flag should be at the center and at the highest point, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel. 4. Disposal: When a flag is worn out or no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. (see our disposal guide) American Flag Etiquette according to the U.S. Flag Code: (continued) Special Situations: 1. Half-Staff: The flag is flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, then raised to full staff, and on other days as proclaimed by the President or state governors. 2. Mourning: When draped over a casket, the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. These guidelines ensure the flag is treated with respect and dignity, reflecting its status as a symbol of the nation. American Flag Etiquette according to the U.S. Flag Code: (continued) American Flag Disposal Guidance Community Resources Many veterans' organizations, Scout groups, and local government offices offer flag disposal services. You can contact these groups to participate in or arrange for a respectful disposal ceremony. We have a link here to take you to a disposal location near you. https://www.usflagstore.com/flag_disposal_s/2241.htm/ American Flag Disposal Guidance Burning Ceremony The preferred method of disposing or retiring of an American flag is through a burning ceremony. Here’s how to conduct it respectfully:  Prepare the Flag:  Ensure the flag is folded properly into the traditional triangle shape.  If the flag is too large, it may be cut into smaller pieces, but ensure that the blue field with stars remains intact.  Choose a Safe Location:  Select a safe, private location where the flag can be burned without causing a fire hazard.  Consider conducting the ceremony in a metal container or fire pit. American Flag Disposal Guidance • Conduct the Ceremony: • Invite a small group of people to witness the ceremony, if desired. • Say a few words to honor the flag and what it represents. • Place the flag on the fire respectfully and allow it to burn completely to ashes. • If the flag is cut into pieces, burn each piece separately, starting with the stripes and ending with the blue field. • After the Ceremony: • Collect the ashes and any remaining fragments of the flag. • Bury the ashes in a respectful location or scatter them in a meaningful place. American Flag Disposal Guidance • Alternative Methods • If burning the flag is not possible, there are alternative methods to consider: • Burial: • Fold the flag into a triangle. • Place it in a wooden or biodegradable box. • Bury the box in a respectful location and mark the site with a small, appropriate marker if desired. • By following these steps, you ensure that the American flag is disposed of with the dignity and respect it deserve