Fly the flag and stand up for what it means.
It’s your flag, too.
Fly it with patriotism and pride. Vote to ensure that democracy stands. And use your voice to form a more perfect union.
Somehow, the American flag has become a symbol of conservative politics in this country. We say it’s time for the flag to once again be a symbol for all Americans of the original ideas and ideals upon which this country was founded.
What better way (besides voting) to stand up for democracy than to fly the most powerful, recognizable symbol of personal freedom in the world?
Places to buy a flag
Eder Flag (employee owned, founded in 1887) sells flags and flag sets made in the U.S. from American materials. You can also find an extensive list of online and local options for U.S.-made flags from the Flag Manufacturers Association of America—click Membership List on this page. (Note: Not all of the companies are retailers; some are just manufacturers.)
Things to consider
If you’re buying a flag for the first time, the options can be overwhelming. Which fabric? What kind of pole? Where will I fly the flag? Here are some guidelines to help you decide what will work best for you and your home.
Location
Many people mount a 6-foot pole to the side of their house. Make sure the pole is mounted high enough off the ground so that the flag doesn’t hit any bushes or other objects when flown. Also, don’t mount the pole in a location that is difficult to reach when you need to take the flag down.
Size
The standard size for flags is 3x5 feet, which pairs well with a 6-foot pole. If you have a tall flagpole, the flag should be between one-quarter and one-third the height of the pole. For example, a 25-foot pole should fly either a 4x6, 5x8, or 6x10 flag.
Material
Most outdoor flags are made of nylon or polyester. Cotton is a traditional fabric, but it is not very durable and prone to fading. Nylon has bright colors, is lightweight, and is a good choice for use in moderate weather. Polyester is heavier than nylon and is best for long-term outdoor use in harsh conditions.
Hardware
Most people start with a 6-foot wall-mounted pole. Make sure you match the flag’s mounting method to the pole. Flags can be attached to poles using grommets and clips or with a pole sleeve.
Grommets and clips are the most common, and when paired with an anti-tangle pole, they prevent the flag from getting wrapped around the pole in the wind. A flag with a pole sleeve is more traditional but harder to find and maintain.
Finally, there are two types of brackets: fixed and adjustable. A fixed bracket will hold the pole at a 45-degree angle or horizontally, while an adjustable bracket lets you set the pole at multiple angles.