Product Description
This large American flag is a cotton flag for tall commercial and institutional poles, in 8 FT x 12 FT and 10 FT x 19 FT. It is sewn from UV-resistant 100% cotton with embroidered stars and sewn stripes, and its white poly/cotton duck heading carries a braided nylon rope with two galvanized steel thimbles at the ends, the rope-and-thimble finish that big flags need to spread the load across the whole hoist. Made in the USA.
Grommets are fine on a 5 FT x 8 FT flag. On a 10 FT x 19 FT flag they tear out; the rope in the heading and the thimbles at each end take the strain instead. This is the flag for a 40 FT to 60 FT pole at a dealership, a government building, a campus, or a park. For the same size in nylon or polyester, or for a flag larger than 10 FT x 19 FT, ask us through our contact page.
Large American Flag Features
- Rope and thimble heading – braided nylon rope sewn into the heading with a galvanized steel thimble at each end, so the halyard snaps attach to the thimbles and the load spreads along the hoist.
- 100% cotton bunting – the traditional flag fabric, UV-resistant, with the matte look and full drape of cotton.
- Embroidered stars, sewn stripes – 50 embroidered stars and 13 sewn stripes, double-needle lock stitched.
- Two sizes – 8 FT x 12 FT for a 40 FT to 45 FT pole, 10 FT x 19 FT for a 50 FT to 60 FT pole.
- Made in the USA – sewn in the United States.
Historical Background
Big flags have always been roped. The garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 measured 30 FT x 42 FT and was made of wool bunting with a linen heading; it was hoisted by rope because no grommet could hold it. Cotton bunting became the standard for large flags in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and is still made for institutions that want the traditional fabric on a tall pole. The Flag Code governs the display of a large American flag exactly as it does a small one, including the provision that it be lit if flown at night.
Sizing a big flag to its pole keeps it off the ground and off the lightning rod: about one quarter of pole height is the rule, so a 10 FT x 19 FT flag belongs on a pole of 50 FT or more.
Symbolism at a Glance
- Thirteen stripes: the original colonies.
- Fifty stars: the states of the Union.
- Red, white, and blue: hardiness and valor, purity and innocence, vigilance and justice.
