American Flag

ROOSTRTALE · Legend Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 157 Location: Charlotte

Since not much has been written lately I would like to pose this question.
The ball atop the flag,what is it for and do you belive its true? Confused

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Tioga · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:00 pm Post subject:

The round finial on top of a flag pole is merely a decoration that also serves to keep water from getting into the inside of the pole. It also protects the pulley at the top to which the halyard is attached to run the flag up and down. It's round because anything else would snag the halyard or foul the flag in a high wind.

There's a myth that there's supposed to be a razor blade, a match and a bullet in the finial at the top of military flag poles, with a pistol buried at the base. This is so in case the installation is overrun that a soldier could cut down the flag, burn it with the match and then commit suicide instead of being captured. I've never heard how he is supposed to get to the top of the flag pole to accomplish all this, though. And all the time I spent in the military, I never received instructions on how to do it. Laughing

Good question, Tim! Way to keep it interesting in a lull. Smile

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CJ Tuffy · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:56 am Post subject:

Dang, you two are just way too smart. See ya learn something new everyday.. Laughing

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Make yourselves sheep, and the wolves will eat you. - Benjamin Franklin

cadit · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:09 pm Post subject:

Hey guys: I've heard the same thing, I was in the amry as well and did flag duty a few times. Nothing was ever said to me either.

Henry
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Metal detecting/Treasure Hunting
A Hobby for those with an Adventurous Heart and a Inquisitive Mind[/i]

jgowans · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 11:34 am Post subject:

Hey all. I was looking up information on the Maryland state flag. (to me it is but ugly) and I ran across this page. http://www.sos.state.md.us/Services/Flagprotocol.htm#care

It states: Only a gold cross bottony may be used as an ornament on the top of a flagstaff that carries the Maryland flag (State Government Article, §13-203).

I will have to keep an eye out if that holds true.
I haven't fired up the coil yet but plan to soon.

John G.
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History is bound to be lost if not for those who choose to preserve it.

CJ Tuffy · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject:

Good hearing from you John, are you settled? Let us know when you start getting those 1600 and 1700 coins. I looked at pictures from the town and it looks pretty cool.

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Make yourselves sheep, and the wolves will eat you. - Benjamin Franklin