The American flag has a rich history, just like the country it represents. As patriots, we want to honor the American flag’s history by taking the best care of our flags possible.
So you want to know about flag holders. Good news—You have come to the right place. Not only do we have the critical information on flag holders, but we can tell you pretty much whatever you might need to know about purchasing, mounting, and flying your very own flag.
In this article, we will be focusing on the all-important flag holder: What they are, what they are made of, and which one is right for you.
Read on for more.
What Is a Flag Holder?
Flags don’t tend to stay in one place when left to fly loosely at the whims of the wind. Flags are fabric, and like any fabric, they are susceptible to being carried off when the gusts pick up. Who hasn’t lost a kite or a tablecloth to the forces of nature once or twice? That being said, flags are different in that they represent a significant historical, moral, and financial investment than other items commonly lost to the forces of nature.
In incredibly basic terms, the wind is what makes flags “work.” It’s what makes them fly and what gives them life. The wind is sort of like a flag's soul if you want to be poetic about it. And oftentimes, we do, for example, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Sure, we sing it at ball games and on the 4th of July, but the sentiment of the ballad flies with the stars and stripes year-round.
Wind is also one of the single most potentially destructive forces on the planet. It sounds strange to put it so frankly, but it’s the truth. We take our most sacred national symbol, hoist it on a pole and set it outside to face whatever hardships might come. But not without insurance.
What is that insurance? It’s a sturdy metal anchor and is the flag's single strongest component, sturdier even than the pole itself. We call this humble but mighty fixture a flag holder, and its importance cannot be overstated.
What Are Flag Holders Made Using?
Just as there are all shapes and sizes of flags, there are a variety of flag holders to accompany them. Materials can range anywhere from cast iron to PVC pipe, with numerous differences in design, durability, and cost.
Some people even make their own, though this can be an arduous and difficult task. It’s tempting to look at them as a whole and come to the conclusion that one flag holder is as good as another. Unfortunately, as with most things, it’s not quite that simple.
Once again, we find ourselves circling back to the outdoors. Think of a flagpole holder like you would one of your own outdoor accessories. When you go for a hike, do you wear galoshes? They are boots; after all, why shouldn’t they be for hiking? Or what if it's a summer day and a heavy thunderstorm is blowing in... would you pull out a fur-lined parka? Flags and their accessories are not so different.
Attaching a flag to your porch is much different than putting one on your boat. Therefore it stands to reason that they would benefit from using different materials. The pole and holder for a boat flag might be made from pliable fiberglass to better brave the constant wind speeds of nautical travel. Conversely, the one on your porch is a sturdy cast iron beast whose job is to remain immobile and resolute, ensuring your flag stays firmly grounded come rain or shine.
What’s the Difference Between a Flag Holder and a Flag Bracket?
This is a somewhat subtle question but an important one when it comes to mounting your American flag. Where does a flag holder end and a flag bracket begin? Well, if you want to be technical, a flag bracket does always hold a flag, but a flag holder is not necessarily a flag bracket.
Think of it like the whole “a rectangle is a square, but a square isn’t a rectangle” conundrum. A durable flag bracket is a critical part of hanging your favorite flag with pride, ensuring that your flag is safe, sturdy, and never falls to the ground.
A flag holder is really any apparatus that allows a flag to be “flown.” This can include things like wall brackets. But it also may include the much smaller garden flags that you see poked into the ground by gateways, driveway entrances, and, of course, gardens.
A flag bracket, on the other hand, is almost always affixed vertically and screwed into a structure or porch itself. These are what you see flying larger flags outside many people’s homes. They are built to securely house a flag pole and are most often made of a sturdy metal like cast iron, stainless steel, or, in some cases, aluminum.
What Are the Different Types of Flag Holders?
There is no end to the variety of flag holders one can find. Think of it like this: If you have somewhere you are thinking of attaching a flag, there is probably a flag holder or bracket designed specifically with that usage in mind.
Here’s a list of a few places you might purchase a flag holder for:
-Porch bracket/double brackets
-Indoor flag stand (Like what you see in the background of presidential press conferences)
-3x5 flag wall holder (for housing multiple smaller flags)
-Railing/fence bracket
-Side mount brackets (for the sides of buildings or inside large doorways)
What Else Do I Need to Mount My American Flag?
The flag bracket is the anchor to your flag, but, by itself, it’s little more than a hunk of metal. You want everyone who happens across your flag to see it as a representation of your pride in our great nation. In order to do that, you will need to have a fully-equipped set of flag gear. Don’t worry; it’s not nearly as daunting as it sounds.
Vermont White Ash Flag Pole
Firstly, or at least at some point prior to raising your flag, you will need a sturdy flag pole. We aren’t talking about some handheld, “Made in China” plastic that you wave around on the Fourth either. You want a high-quality, America- made product, cut from American grown trees and constructed by proud American craftsmen.
This pole is the backbone of your flag. It’s what stands between our nation's colors and the sodden dirt below. We recommend something as sturdy as it is beautiful. Our Vermont White Ash Flag Poles are constructed of durable, weather-resistant wood and are harvested right here in the States. They were made to hold your flag proudly and look good doing it, and that’s exactly what they will do.
Non-Tangle Flag Pole Spinners
You have your flag holder and a sturdy flag. You have even read the United States Flag Code. You know all the dos and don'ts of our nation's most important icon. You even have properly retired your old tattered flag prior to purchasing your new one.
Now you are ready for the final piece: The primary and most obvious component to flying your flag—a set of flagpole spinners. Okay, so maybe it’s not the “most” obvious, but it is very much important and necessary.
A good set of flagpole spinners will prevent your flag from getting tangled around your pole or caught on itself. There is nothing worse than seeing a beautiful flag that has been twisted into an indecipherable heap. Not only is it an annoyance and an eyesore, but it’s also no way to treat the stars and stripes.
An American Flag
If this entire article is about accessories, it stands to reason that the main attraction is even more important. You have gone to the trouble to get your equipment, now all that’s left is a flag worthy of the effort. Look for an American flag made by Americans, for Americans, whose production helps create jobs right here at home. If you want a flag like that, whether it’s for a car, a porch, or a boat, we know a good place to start looking.
Where’s the Best Place To Buy Flag Holders?
The short answer? America. When you are looking to purchase our nation's flag, it only makes sense for it to be domestically manufactured and sourced. That way, you can be sure that your symbolic support of this country is more than just a symbol.
At Allegiance Flag Supply, we stand by our American-made products every day. From flag brackets to American flags to patriotic apparel, our line of patriotic essentials stand for true American values.
As such, we understand the importance of giving back. That’s why we partner with several non-profit organizations that are dedicated to giving back to those who have given and continue to give to our country.
We believe that high-quality American’s deserve high-quality American products. Each of your purchases goes back into the pockets of the people who help make this country what it is. When you fly the flag of the United States of America, you support your fellow citizens as we stand together for a land of freedom and opportunity and acknowledge the sacrifices of all those who dedicate their lives to keeping it that way.
Sources:
SEVERE WEATHER 101—Damaging Winds | NSSL
Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue Star-Spangled Banner | Smithsonian