About American Flags: Types, where to buy, history, etiquitte, salute, regulations, Flag Day.

The Pledge of Allegiance

received official recognition by Congress in an Act approved on June 22, 1942. However, the pledge was first published in 1892 in the Youth's Companion magazine in Boston, Massachusetts to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, and was first used in public schools to celebrate Columbus Day on October 12, 1892.

In its original version, the pledge read "my flag" instead of "the flag of the United States." the change in the wording was adopted by the National Flag Conference in 1923. The rationale for the change was that it prevented ambiguity among foreign-born children and adults who might have the flag of their native land in mind when reciting the pledge.

The phrase "under God" was added to the pledge by a Congressional act approved on June 14, 1954.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL."

HOW TO OBTAIN A FLAG

FLOWN OVER THE U.S. CAPITOL

Constituents may arrange to purchase flags that have been flown over the Capitol by getting in touch with their Senators or Representative. A certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol accompanies each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3' x 5' or 5' x 8' in fabrics of cotton and nylon.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLAG FABRIC

Outdoor flag materials

Although a high-quality nylon flag is hard to beat, each flag fabric has its own special purpose. Here are some basics.

Sewn Open Weave Cotton: Very nice appearance and texture. Nice lift, but responds poorly to water, heavy wind and heavy sun. Great for indoor and color guard use; not ideal for outdoor use.

Sewn 2-ply polyester weave flags are much more durable than cotton flags and sometimes more durable than nylon. However, polyester weave flags are heavy, and closely resemble cotton flags in appearance and tendency to absorb lots of water. When polyester weave flags are wet, they are very heavy; when winds blow, a great deal of stress tears at these flags. Even when dry, polyester weave flags are heavy enough to require considerably more wind to fly than other flag materials. Premium quality 2 ply sewn polyester weave flags perform well as color guard flags and (if dry) where wind is strong enough to provide sufficient lift.

Some trade names for 2 ply polyester weave fabric are PolyMAX, Koralex II, SuperPoly, ToughTex, Polyester II.

Printed, single-ply polyester flags (often imported) are fairly common and inexpensive, but lack the durability of sewn nylon flags and sewn 2 ply polyester weave flags OR the lift and texture of sewn nylon flags and printed polycotton flags. Because so much single-ply polyester is imported and of inconsistent quality, this material has some critics. However, good quality American made single-ply polyester is nice looking, relatively weather-resistant and is easily tailored - making it a great choice for custom banners where lift or texture is not so important.

Sewn Nylon: While each material has certain strengths, sewn nylon is generally the best choice for most outdoor situations. Sewn nylon is usually less expensive than 2 ply polyester weave. Sewn nylon is lightweight, which allows it to fly in the slightest breeze - and is water repellent, which prevents mildew, water logging, weight stress or freezing. Sewn nylon flags are also very bright and durable, although a DRY 2-ply polyester weave flag may hold up better in consistently heavy wind. Premium sewn nylon flags made in the USA (3x5 and larger) are usually of 200 denier nylon (a measure of thread thickness). Perma-Nyl is a well known trade name for a tough heavy-weight DuPont nylon (200 denier) treated with a very effective DuPont colorfast agent called SolarMax. Other nylons of lesser grades may also be treated with SolarMax to prevent fade. Premium grade sewn nylon flags treated with SolarMax perform well as color guard flags and in general use indoors and outdoors.

Endura-Nylon and Nyl-Glo are other trade names for nylon flag fabric treated with SolarMax. Those comparable to Perma-Nyl would have 200 denier thread.

Printed Polycotton: Although not nearly as durable and flyable as nylon, an American made printed polycotton flag provides low price and reasonable value. A printed polycotton flag made in the USA should be about 70% polyester and 30% cotton, which provides durability, texture, and lift. These flags are not intended for color guard use or the long life of a sewn nylon or sewn 2 ply polyester weave flag; however most printed polycotton flags made in the USA should perform well in general outdoor use.