American Legion, Amvets, VFW and Retiring your Flag(s)! Ask the Chaplain

   VFW Post Chaplain Randall Jacobsen, AKA Chappy Jacobsen

It's that time of year again, and like years gone by; I seem to get the perpetual Flags Questions.  Mostly when is it time to repair or replace my flags, and how do I dispose of them "Properly"?  I am always happy to answer this for folks . . .  and of course it does give me a chance to offer them to those looking for flags, have repairs done or simply want to add to their stock selection.

This Link will take you to a good Flag History Site:  http://www.flagkeepers.org/FlagEducation.asp

This Betsy Ross Flag Co. even shows how to fold the Flag:  http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

American Legion Post 19  418 N. Walnut St. 765-282-2385 Will be having their Flag Retirement Ceremony July 4th; and AMVETS Post 12 7621 N. SR 3 765-287-9054 will be having theirs the first Saturday (6th) of September so Turn Yours in before then, if you want them Retired with Honors.  At VFW Post 651, we will generally take any turned into us, to either American Legion Post 19 or AMVETS Post 12 for Retirement in their Ceremonies at different times of the years and I as well at my Shop will take them to one or the other for folks who turn them into me for Honorable Retirement.

I am often asked what are the common Flag Sizes?  Desk/Table tops 4" x 6", Parades and Grave sites? 12" x 18" and double layered for Land Vehicles.

Then there are the Watercraft; usually a 12 x 18 " can be used but most common is a 24" x 36" size in Heavy Nylon with extra stitching.  Some apartments and some homes prefer to use this size also.

Then there is the "Standard" 3ft x 5ft Cotton, Polyester (most used in package deals), and Double ply Nylon, (usually sold separately)  and better Double Ply Polyester (best of the best) with reinforced stitching for longer hard use.

Then many small business with two stories or less in building size, may opt for a 4ft x 6 ft size and some may even go 6ft x 10ft size for special occasions.  Most will go back to a 4fr x 6ft after experiencing the high or freezing and sheeting effects of adverse weather.  Again these will usually be HD Nylon or the better Dbl-Ply Polyester that is more resistant to the UV light of the Sun, and flies better in low winds.

Many of the Double Ply Nylon are Service Flags; as in Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard or POW-MIA and a few others, and are fully embroidered on both sides.  There are breaks for quantity or volume purchasing available.

I will generally "Cut (Hot) Back" up to 3-6 Inches off an end, "if" the rest of the material and stitching is OK, and turn and sew with "FOUR" rows of stitching with                                  Whatever Your flag type, size, or need for Repair or Replacement or add some to your Stock Selection for different occasions, I can honestly Say; we are "THE" Flag Source for East Central Indiana. 

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