FlagDesk.com Blog

Flag of the Day: Kimpton Restaurants and Hotels in Downtown Chicago, IL

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 14:51:00 -0600

Outrigger Flagpoles give a grand entrance to Kimpton Restaurants and Hotels in the Chicago downtown loop. These beauties over the boutique hotel have their own quaintness, yet are far from quaint extending 20 ft. from the building. Nothing says "Welcome to Chicago!" like a three-flag outrigger display showing the US, City, and Custom Kimpton Restaurants and Hotels Flag.

Flag of the Day: Funeral at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:02:00 -0600

Today, President Obama, Vice President, Biden and Secretary of State, Clinton, among others, honor and remember the Embassy attacks in Benghazi killing Stevens, information manager Sean Smith and former Navy SEALS Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods on Tuesday. A very solemn day for us all to remember how connected we all are as a world. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

How To Build An Indoor Flag Set and Display Flags Indoors

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:39:00 -0600

Before you build your own Indoor Flag Diplay, click here. Maybe we already have the indoor display set you have been looking for. Save time and these packages include additional discounts!

The components of an indoor (or parade) flag set are fairly simple. (Also known as Indoor Display, Mounting Set, and Presentation set.) Knowing how a set is put together is the first step to building your own or repairing your existing one. Our belief is, "if you can, you should." Built right, an indoor flag set can last you for years and is an impressive way give life to any room in your building.

Deluxe Indoor Mounting Set with US Flag

An indoor flag set is made up of four (4) sections, the floor stand, pole, ornament, and flag. Sounds easy, right!?

Unfortunately, it depends how deep you want to get. The first step is to decide what size pole you want. Sets mostly come in three heights, 7 ft., 8 ft., and 9 ft. (other sizes are available) and with a 15/16”, 1”, 1-1/8”, or 1-1/4” diameter. This is the most important question and will dramatically narrow your options, which at this point is a good thing. The reason for this is that the size of your pole determines the appropriate dimensions of your base, ornament, and recommended size of your flag. If you have a pole which needs repair, the most difficult question is already answered for you.

Indoor Display Parts and Accessories

Oak Finish Pole with Brass Screw Joint

A broken wood pole (usually finished oak) can be easily fixed with a brass screw joint. These little handy devices connect your two-piece pole together. You can get them in polished brash or chrome. Aesthetics are the key here. If you have purchased a set from right out of the box, it's as simple as screwing the pole together and placing it in your floor stand. But if you are purchasing a base separately, you may need an adapter in the base designed to fit smaller size poles.

Special Brass Ferrule

We sometimes get the question, "Do I need a ferrule or a spindle?" In almost all cases, if you have a wood pole you are going to need a ferrule. If you have an aluminum pole you're going to need neither. Aluminum poles typically have a top adapter (known as a brass ornament adapter) already installed that will accept the female threading of an ornament. The ferrule, however, slides over the top of a wood pole and is secured with a set screw and will also accept the female threading of the ornament.

Standard Aluminum Spindle

A spindle is used for commercial aluminum outdoor flagpoles. If you are looking at adapting an outdoor pole to have an indoor ornament, then you are looking for a spindle.

Various Types of Ornaments

The ornament can be a big deal. If you are flying the U.S. flag, an eagle ornament can look particularly attractive, but we would not use the eagle for a state, county, or city flag. In this case, you would use a flat spear ornament. There many different types of ornaments from the California Bear to the Texas Star. An ornament can really tell a story and complete your indoor display.

How to Display Flags Indoors

Display Order

Just as in outdoors, the American Flag is always to be displayed to its own right. Traditionally, the first flag to the American Flag's left would be the State Flag or POW/MIA. Then follows the City Flag or Custom Flag. In some cases, the American flag can be in the center if it is higher than the other indoor flag displays.

Finally it comes down to your flag. You may be asking yourself, "Do I go with the fringe? What about the cord and tassel?" Again, this really depends on your style and preference. Most of customers prefer indoor flags with fringe, however, any flag with a pole hem will suffice for your set. The cord and tassel is optional, but we also think they add a nice touch.

Flag Spreader Easy Clamp

However, by far the most advisable purchase which will improve the life of your flag and increase it's attractiveness is the flag spreader. You will not be disappointed for about $15.

Assembling the Flag

Find the open pocket or sleeve at the back edge of the flag. Slide the flag sleeve (pole hem) up the top flagpole section, top edge first, until the top of the flag reaches the brass screw.
Find the leather or Velcro tab inside the top of the flag sleeve and slip it onto the head of the brass screw to hold the flag in place.
If you have your flag spreader, you can now attach the two edges of the flag and anchor it to your pole. Adjust as needed.

Flag size is based upon the height of the pole and the diagonal length of the flag going on that pole.

Pole Height	Hanging Length of the Flag	Recommended Flag Size
7’	5’ 10”	3’ x 5’
8’	5’ 10”	3’ x 5’
8’	7’ 2-1/2”	4’ x 6’ *
9’	7’ 2-1/2”	4’ x 6’
10’	7’ 2-1/2”	4’ x 6’
10’	9’ 5-1/4”	5’ x 8’ *
11’	9’ 5-1/4”	5’ x 8’

Flag will not touch the ground but is not recommended for the height of the pole.

Cord and Tassel

The cord and tassel is traditionally used with indoor flags with fringe as a finishing feature. It is typical to see fringe on country flags and state flags.

Assembling the Cord & Tassel:

Fold the cord in half and hold the tassels together in one hand.
Adjust the cord so one tassel is higher than the other about 3? and the other end forms a loop.
Push the cord loop through the eye screw at the top of the pole.
Once the loop is through the eye screw, push both tassels through the loop and pull tight to form a slip knot.
About 1/3 further down the cord, make a new loop by wrapping both pieces of cord around three fingers.
With the other hand, pull the two strands of cord through the loop you made around your fingers, just enough to form a new loop (approximately one inch).
Pull the cord strands through your new loop to form yet another loop about the same size. Continue this step until you have connected 4 loops.
On the 4th loop, pull the tassels all the way through and tighten slightly to form a loose knot.
Adjust and tighten the links to be uniform in size.

If you have any questions, leave a comment and we will be sure to answer them the best we can! If you prefer a set with these parts already selected see our mounting sets.

American Flag Construction

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:05:00 -0600

Get up to a 40% discount on our most popular American Flags! Our Outdoor American Flags are made of 100% heavyweight, 200-denier nylon or 2-ply spun polyester. Reinforced nylon and 2-ply polyester American Flags have additional vertical stitching and reinforced corners. All flags are lock stitched except for our Nylon Chain Stitched American Flags (which is an economical alternative to lock stitched flags).

Nylon

Our most popular, U.S. Government specification flags, Eagle Nylon offers vivid colors, outstanding fade resistance on UV treated 100% heavy-weight, 200-denier nylon fabric.

Polyester

Crafted of 2-ply 100% spun polyester bunting, Eagle Poly II is designed to withstand freezing varied moisture, and winter winds. This heavy-weight product takes on a woven like appearance.

Canvas Header

Designed to stress relieve the fabric, outdoor flags are finished with a strong canvas header. This prevents breakdown where the flag attaches to the rope.

Embroidered Stars

8' x 12' and smaller US Flags have fully embroidered stars with five sharp points (using more thread)! Nylon US Flags have a white cotton star while Polyester US Flags a shiny nylon star.

Sewn Stars

US Flags larger than 8' x 12' have appliquéd or sewn stars to the canton. These stars are glued down to both sides of the fabric and then sewn all the way around the five points of the star.

Lock Stitching

All our standard and reinforced oudoor flags are lock stitched. Lock stitching doubles the thread to prevent unravaling of the fly-ends and fraying.

Chain Stitch

An economic alternative to lock stitching, these flags are great for temporary applications such as events or general outdoor use. Available in sizes up to 5' x 8'.

Grommets

Number 2 brass spur grommets hold up to heavy winds and swivel snap wear. Number of grommets per flag varies by flag size.

Thimbles

8' x 12' and larger flags, have a roped heading and thimbles to reduce stress along the canvas header. Thimbles are made of stainless steel.

Flag of the Day: Bill Jacobs Chevrolet in Joliet, IL

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:19:00 -0600

Check out this flag of the day at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet. You will most often find a nice flagpole at a Chevrolet dealership. Chevy believes in flying flags and we think this flag looks great. Just from passing through, it looks to be about 60 or 70 ft, cone tapered aluminum shaft with a nice silver ball top. You don't always see a silver ball ornament.

Flag of the Day: Put In Bay, OH

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:03:00 -0600

Today's Flag of the Day hails from Put In Bay, Ohio. Over three quarters of a million people visit Put In Bay each season for all sorts of reasons. But perhaps the most unique reason is the attraction the island has for pirates and scallawags. There's a pot to defend on the island and even the English governor knows the value of being on the look out.

Flag fo the Day: Public Works, Wilmette, IL

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:19:00 -0600

The great thing about today's Flag of the Day is that it is not only is it a great display but it is also a great tip! Wilmette Public Works building has an older flagpole, but the components and just right. The double truck originally held two sets of halyard for the option to fly two or more flags. Over time, one of the ropes broke, however, because it is a double truck, they can still fly a flag without bringing in a lift truck. This is a great way to get security from flagpole break down, as well as options for special holidays and other instances when you want to fly multiple flags. This is a beach-front property so heavy storms come in a few times a year, we replaced the rope with wire-center halyard for durability.

Flag of the Day: Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 05:37:00 -0600

It's the Fourth of July! Happy independence, liberty, freedom from religious tyranny, and taxation without representation. Independence for our nations soil was won equally on land, as by sea. Today's Flag of the Day solutes the Annapolis Naval Academy flag with their crest, Ex Scientia Tridens, which stands for, "From knowledge, seapower." We don't really need to go into the majestic set of flag displays around campus at this prestigious institute dating back to 1845, what I would like to point out is the monument in the basement. The facility may be almost 75 years post dating independence, it honors a man who very much was active in our independence.

So what's in the basement? It is not what, it is who. And it is the Father of the Navy, John Paul Jones. Why do we have such respect for Jones, on this flag of the day? Because John Paul Jones was the first man to lead his fleet to foreign soil and raise our nations flag. From there he lead campaigns terrorizing the coasts of England and Scotland, destroying British ships, preventing Great Brittan from deploying more troops and resources. He was a master strategist. John Paul Jones survived the war, but sadly, the passing of the war also meant the passing of the use for an American Navy. He was retired. But we would like to pay a Fourth of July Tribute to John Paul Jones for proudly holding our nation's flag on foreign soil for the first time.

Flag of the Day: Skyline, Bristol, Indiana

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 05:21:00 -0600

The summertime is the time for flags. With holidays, cookouts, and camping, you can't not have a reason to get out there and enjoy the weather and the country. There is no better way to join in the fun than in an Recreational Vehicle or RV. Bristol, together with Elkhart, Indiana is the RV capitol of the world. The most common thing you will see over here is unbelievable mobile homes which make my apartment look like a closet, and you will see flags. Even on a blistering winter day like the day this shot was taken.

Skyline was founded in 1951 in Elkhart, Indiana. Today, they are located in 10 states across the country with plants designed to build affordable mobile housing for any weather. Notice in the picture, they are flying a heavy polyester flag in the winter season. Skyline get the right flag for the right season and works to make the right product for the varied climates in our country.

Flag of the Day: Evanston Fire Station #5, Evanston, IL

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 05:11:00 -0600

Today we are thinking of our firemen. Flag of the day is at Fire Station #5 in Evanston, Illinois. What we really like about this display is the flagpole more than the flag. The vertical wall mount flagpole runs almost to the ground where the flag can be raised and lowered from a cleat with a cover box at shoulder level. This all giving this external (exposed rope) vertical wall mount flagpole both a stylish appearance and security. This is a great design. While the flagpole is not designed or able to fly large flags, the substantial pole helps accent the other aluminum metallic accents of the station.

Typical vertical installations are anchored towards the roof of the building and the flagpole extends far over the roof, using the building to gain height, and exposure of the flag.

Flag of the Day: Joliet Junior College, Joliet, Illinois

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:06:00 -0600

For those scholastic overachievers who aspire beyond a high school diploma, there are a range of options. For some, they say adios to the parents and hello to dorm food. To others, they have already worked a lifetime and are looking to change their career path. Our Flag of the Day solutes Joliet Junior College. The nations first public community college offers a lot of variety and opportunities to its more than 35,000 enrolled students. It is uniquely tailored to students transitioning to a four-year college or professionals seeking direct employment development. Since 1901, this institution has been a stepping stone for people of all ages, and the flag here stands for the college and its history and stories.

Flag of the Day: Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, MN

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:49:00 -0600

It is a personal Flag of the Day today. Our very own FlagRunner, Brent Alexander, ran Grandma's Marathon in Duluth Minnesota yesterday on Father's Day. He finished in 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 52 seconds. For 26.2 miles, Brent ran at 5 minutes, 38 seconds. We are very proud of Brent!

The flag in the background is hanging off of a crane with steel cable running to the ground. If you are a construction company with a lift or if you are a lift company, this is a great way to get a flagpole out of the gear you already have. At FlagDesk, we call it the Boom Flag because it hangs off the boom typically.

Here is a list of what you need

Flag of the Day: Blue Star Memorial Highway, Rest Stop, Indiana

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:17:00 -0600

With the pace of life these days it is hard to see how much basic things are provided to us because of our ingenuity and sacrifices. Even driving along a free expressway with public restrooms, nice grounds, and gardens. Today's Flag of the Day is along the Blue Star Memorial Highway in Indiana. These hgihways are all across the US, marked to honor those serving in conflicts around the world, the U.S. Armed Forces. This program dates back to 1945 just after WWII. Well kept gardens and flag displays make these rest stops along Blue Star Memorial Highways pleasant as well as respectful. Next time you pull into one of these stops, take a moment to thank our service men and women.

Flag of the Day: in Honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Highland Park, IL

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 07:03:00 -0600

Queen Elizabeth has been on the thrown for 60 years! If you were across the pond gazing on the festivities you would be overwhelmed by the 21 gun solute, the sky divers, legendary musical line up, and flags! The flag in this picture comes from Highland Park Illinois, where a proud family flies both the US and UK flags.

Queen Elizabeth is 86 years old and only the second monarch to reach the diamond Jubilee in 1000 years. Nothing but smiles were seen on her face. She stood for over four and half hours to wave at the more than a million travelers to witness the historic event. With the royal wedding, this has been quite a few years for the Royal Family.

Flag of the Day: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:25:00 -0600

Today's flag of the day comes off Portage Rd. in South Bend, Indiana. This castle-like cemetery looks like a fortress from the outside securing peaceful and well kept grounds on the inside. In two years, this cemetery will reach 100 years old. It has grown to 114 acres of land. The unmistakeable entrance makes this a great Monday Flag of the Day!