Category — Flags

President Obama has ordered flags at half-staff to honor the victims of the shooting in Arizona.  Below is the text from his proclamation:

“As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 14, 2011.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.“

Watch the video below of the moment of silence observed at the White House.

The United States and other nations have official calendars listing Flag Days on which it is appropriate to fly their flags.

In 2011 Colonial Flag will highlight selected Flag Days celebrated in the United States and around the world.  These flag days are Flag Facts and in order to highlight these we have compiled a list of Flag Days celebrated in America as well as important Flag Days in other nations.  To spotlight these special days each month we will announce on our Web site and post articles to our blog (flag-post.com).  Additionally, we will make postings to our Facebook page, and the Colonial Flag Showroom will host special events to lead the celebrations.

Click here to see the compiled list of Flag Days.  While it would be impossible to include all Flag Days, we want to do our best to remember the days that are important to our community!

Contact us if you have you a Flag Day to suggest that we may have missed.  Share with us any observance your group may be planning which includes the display of flags.

Flags add color and excitement to any scene, but additionally they have meaning to those who display them.  They remind us of history and inspire us to action.  Join us at Colonial Flag in the celebration of flags throughout the year!

When we consider flag holidays, we think first of Memorial Day, Flag Day or the Fourth of July.  Although Christmas Day is indeed one of the holidays listed in the U.S. Flag Code as being a day when it is especially appropriate to display the flag, we think first of pine trees, holly sprigs and mistletoe.  Old Glory does not spring to mind with thoughts of Christmas.

Nevertheless, display of the flag at Christmas time has roots that reach back at least a century.  In nineteenth century depictions of Santa Claus, he sometimes was shown wearing a costume that looks like it was made for Uncle Sam including striped pants and a starry jacket.  Images of the Jolly Old Elf with the Stars and Stripes continue into our own century with modern nutcrackers, ornaments and illustrations.  Colonial Flag is certainly no stranger to Old Saint Nick.

We like to say that Santa Claus shops with us.  Drop by our showroom and you just might see a sleigh in the parking lot.

Our family at Colonial Flag and the Healing Field Foundation join Santa in wishing you and your loved ones the Merriest of Christmas Celebrations. May you find joy and happiness during the Yuletide and in the coming year!