Names for US flags?

[Tyreds Tale]

I was told by a veteran reservist that large flags have names depending on their size. I can't find anything on this on the US flag websites. So, I thought I would come to ask the experts. Anyone heard of this?

[panhead]

Originally Posted by Tyreds Tale

I was told by a veteran reservist that large flags have names depending on their size. I can't find anything on this on the US flag websites. So, I thought I would come to ask the experts. Anyone heard of this?

The large flag is garrison and the smaller size is storm........both sizes flown from flagpoles.

[Goalie Interference]

There is also a post flag which is generally flown on most military installations. It is smaller than the garrison flag, yet larger than the strom flag. Under normal conditions, the post flag will be the one you see flying.

[RET]

Why the different sizes? And how did they get named Garrison & Storm?

[Tyreds Tale]

Thanks panhead and goalie!

So we have:
small=storm
medium=post
large=garrison

[Goalie Interference]

The Garrison flag is used for holidays and special ceremonies. It is VERY large. The post flag is much smaller and is flown on installations under ever day circumstances. The storm flag is smaller yet and is flown on stormy days to minimize damage by high winds.

The names are pretty self explanatory. A garrison is a permanent military installation or post. Due to it's size the garrison flag is not practical for everyday use, so the post flag is utilized. During inclement weather, the storm flag is flown.

[Anaconda_Dinar_Sheik]

Originally Posted by RET

Why the different sizes? And how did they get named Garrison & Storm?

Thats just the way the military is, something for all occasions. It gets better, on the top of the flag pole is something called a truck, inside it is suppose to be a razor blade and a 45 round!!!....

[panhead]

Originally Posted by Goalie Interference

There is also a post flag which is generally flown on most military installations. It is smaller than the garrison flag, yet larger than the strom flag. Under normal conditions, the post flag will be the one you see flying.

Thanks for the correction Goalie....didn't have my coffee yet.

[panhead]

Originally Posted by Anaconda_Dinar_Sheik

Thats just the way the military is, something for all occasions. It gets better, on the top of the flag pole is something called a truck, inside it is suppose to be a razor blade and a 45 round!!!....

Also a kitchen match, to burn the flag.....and a 45 buried at the base of the flagpole.

Semper Fi

[Anaconda_Dinar_Sheik]

Originally Posted by panhead

Also a kitchen match, to burn the flag.....and a 45 buried at the base of the flagpole.

Semper Fi

O yes, I forgot about the match, about the 45 round, I was Army, we were taught it was in the truck....

[panhead]

Originally Posted by Anaconda_Dinar_Sheik

O yes, I forgot about the match, about the 45 round, I was Army, we were taught it was in the truck....

The round is in the truck as you stated, the pistol itself is buried at the base of the flagpole.
A 45 round isn't much good without something to shoot it with......

[rabilac2000]

I understand the match is needed to burn the flag (although I wonder what the reasoning behind that is...?), but what is the pistol & round for?

[RET]

rabilac, I was going to ask the same thing.

This is interesting, Guys! More, More!

[reconaz]

Ok, here is the story about it. As we all know, there are 3 items in the truck: razor, a match, and a .45 round. In time of distress the commander would push the flagpole towards the north, knocking it over and braking the truck. He would then cut the stars and stripes from the flag and burn the pieces, so the flag could not be captured. Then he would dig under the pole to find the .45 pistol. The he would put the bullet in the gun and commit suicide so that the unit's secrets could remain a secret.

So there you have it. Don't know if this was ever practiced. I think this goes back as for as the 1920's. Not sure.

[reconaz]

I forgot to mention. This is just one of many diffrent stories out there.

[Anaconda_Dinar_Sheik]

Originally Posted by reconaz

Ok, here is the story about it. As we all know, there are 3 items in the truck: razor, a match, and a .45 round. In time of distress the commander would push the flagpole towards the north, knocking it over and braking the truck. He would then cut the stars and stripes from the flag and burn the pieces, so the flag could not be captured. Then he would dig under the pole to find the .45 pistol. The he would put the bullet in the gun and commit suicide so that the unit's secrets could remain a secret.

So there you have it. Don't know if this was ever practiced. I think this goes back as for as the 1920's. Not sure.

That is close enough to the truth, this was to instill a mentality that we will defend the flag until the end and not surrender it to no one!!

[RET]

WOW.

Things I never knew ... how sad is that? Thanks everyone.

VERRRRRRY interesting to me.;)

[Anaconda_Dinar_Sheik]

Originally Posted by RET

WOW.

Things I never knew ... how sad is that? Thanks everyone.

VERRRRRRY interesting to me.;)

I was a board soldier. I used to compete at Brigade and Corps level.
One question that would be asked is
"where is the only place the American Flag has never been taken down since it was put up"?

[rabilac2000]

on the Moon?

[Anaconda_Dinar_Sheik]

Originally Posted by rabilac2000

on the Moon?

Such a simple question, but not to many know that.