caring for flags

[Brett Hartwig]

I have recently established an Honor Guard with my fire department and we have purchased 3 flags- a dept flag, a union flag and an american flag. Can anybody tell me the best way to store them? I don't want to leave them standing in the station, they will get soiled quickly and they are for Honor Guard use only so I want to keep them in pristine condition. Any help would be appreciated. I have been told to roll a white bedsheet in with the flag and keep in a flag pouch. Is this the best?\

 

[paulette lopez 2]

hi freeport. i have an idea, measure the lenght of the pole. and go to a home depot and go to the PVC section. and get a large PVC pipe that will fit. and store it in that.. i think you can get a PVC cap for both ends too.. but also do the sheet thing too to store it.. goodluck

 

[Art Roth]

I would recommend that you get someone to help you fold them into the shape of a "three-point hat" and look for a plastic or vinyl case to store them out of the sunlight. "Old Glory" should be folded so that when you finish, there should be no red and white showing - all three sides should be the blue field with stars and the reinforced area should be tucked into the fold. If they are already on staffs, have some cases made that allow you to fold the flags in an accordian fashion and then slip the cases over the staff. If the staffs can be broken down, unscrew the bottom half and carefully slip it into the case with the upper half of the staff. -Art

 

[Sal Adinolfi]

somthing like this might help

 

[Casey B]

They have triangle shadow box frames made for flags. As Art said fold respectfully in a triangle shape.

 

[Art Roth]

I can send you the USMC Flag Manual (3.1 MB) or you can follow this link (hope it works). In regards to the National Ensign - it's all the same on how it is cared for and presented. So this Marine Corps Order should answer the mail for you. Good luck with the color guard. -Art

 

[Nelson Atwell]

freeport,



The link below sells covers for flags. There is no need for a bedsheet. The flag should either be folded into the normal triangle before being cased, or may be placed into one of the sleeves sold below, while still on the pole. Always ensure the flag is completely dry before casing, to prevent mold.



I suggest you get with the local VFW honor guard or a local military base honor guard. They will be able to give you guidance to ensure your honor guard is complying with all the current rules required of an honor guard. The flag ceremonies are quite precise, and doing them wrong defeats the purpose of having an Honor Guard. I'm not saying that is the case with your unit, but it can't hurt to be evaluated by an impartial expert. Most VFWs are very eager to help.

 

[Jeffrey Travis]

Michael's has flag holders as well.



As far as folding - think of how you would make a table top football out of a piece of paper but with more specific rules which are documented in the links above.



JT#14