At the top sits a little golden sphere known as the finial ball. Inside is a razor blade, a match, and a bullet. You must use the razor blade to cut the stars and stripes from the American flag, the match to burn the remains, and the bullet to defend the base or shoot yourself … depending on the circumstance.

What is the purpose of the ball on top of a flagpole?

The main purpose of the ball is to hold the flag in place. More specifically, it prevents the flag from sliding off the top of the flagpole. Many flags feature a tube-like section of fabric that runs vertically along the left-hand side of the flag.

What do you call the ball at the top of a flagpole?

'Truck' is the term for the finial — or ball — on top of the base headquarters' flagpole.

What is a flagpole finial?

Flagpole finials are the decorative ornaments that are placed at the top of the flagpole. Finials can also serve to protect outdoor hollow flagpoles from the rain or be used to hold pulleys, which allow the flag to be raised and lowered.

What is the top of a flag called?

The canton is also known as the top inner most corner of a flag. It is usually found on the upper, left-hand corner of a flag.

Why do they fold the American flag in a triangle?

The flag gets folded into a triangle because it is actually meant to resemble a tri-cornered hat, like the ones worn by George Washington and other soldiers who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Why do they fold the flag at funerals?

Here is what each fold of the flag means: The first fold symbolizes life. The second fold represents a belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave their lives in defense of the country in order to help attain peace throughout the world.

What is a truck on a flagpole?

A flagpole truck is the part that fits on the top of your in-ground flagpole and covers the top, holds the finial in place and includes the pulley that your halyard is attached to. Flagpole trucks comes in many sizes, finishes and styles to fit the many types of flagpoles on the market.

What do you do if the American flag touches the ground?

The only time when you should destroy or retire an American flag is when it's severely soiled or damaged to the point where it's no longer fitting to display. If your American flag touches the ground, pick it up and reattach it to the flagpole.

At what wind speed should flags be taken down?

If wind speeds go higher than 40 mph, it's time to take your flag inside until the weather calms down. If winds get high enough, you should also protect your flagpole. This would include bringing down your wall-mounted flagpole or lowering your telescoping flagpole.

What color should a flagpole be?

The most popular colors are silver, bronze, black, and white. You might want to choose one that matches the trim of your house or possibly the color of your fencing. The most common types of finishes on flagpoles are powder coating, painting, or anodizing.

Why can't red show on a folded flag?

The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. It is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.

Can you bury an American flag with a person?

General American Flag Etiquette

A flag should not be lowered into a grave or touch the ground. A flag should never be used as a covering for a statue or monument. A flag should never be used in such a way that will allow it to be torn, dirtied or damaged.

Do you stand during Taps at a funeral?

stand at Attention, uncover, and hold the headdress over the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart. If no headdress is worn, the right hand is held over the heart.”.

Are you supposed to burn a flag if it touches the ground?

Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground.

Are you supposed to take flag down in rain?

The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions.

Why do you fold the flag 13 times?

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

Is it disrespectful to fly a flag on a truck?

Decals and fabric flags (flown) are acceptable; however, draping a real flag flat over the hood, trunk, or truck bed is considered disrespectful to the flag. Q: Is it OK to fly a flag on a truck? A: As long as it doesn't interfere with the driver's field of view or obstruct the vehicle operation in any other way.

Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?

In the case of the American flag, yes, it is illegal. The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law.

What are 3 things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don'ts:

• Don't dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
• Don't let the flag touch the ground.
• Don't fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
• Don't carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
• Don't use the flag as clothing.
• Don't store the flag where it can get dirty.

What is said at a military funeral when presenting the flag?

Lean toward the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient. “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.”

Does the military kneel when presenting a flag?

Kneel, on one knee, in front of the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient. Present the flag using the veteran's military service preferred wording: Army ...

When a veteran dies Who gets the flag?

2. Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag? Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it.

What does a black flagpole mean?

In general, black flags are used by enemy forces to signify that enemy combatants are going to be killed rather than taken prisoner—essentially, the opposite of the white flag used to represent surrender. This is also sometimes referred to as “give no quarter.”

What direction should a flagpole face?

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.