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LET FREEDOM RING
June 28, 2013
American flag sellers estimate growth, offer care tips BY KATE STOLTZFUS kstoltzfus@kpcnews.net
KENDALLVILLE—As the country gets ready to celebrate its birthday, houses everywhere string up their American flags in preparation. In the beginning of July, flag sales go up and the care of each flag is more important. According to Kevin Carothers, marketing manager for American Legion Emblem Sales in Indianapolis, the Legion’s flag sales are up slightly for 2013. The busiest time of year for sales is in March, April and May, around Memorial Day. “Memorial Day is like Christmas for us,” Carothers said. “June is also strong as people prepare for July 4.” The Flag Manufacturers Association of America reports on its website that in 2012, the annual dollar value for shipments of flags, banners and emblems by national manufacturers was an estimated $302.7 million. In northern Indiana, domestic flags sales are up as well. Dave Aker, vice president and general manager of Flags International in Osceola, who stood on the board for the National Independent Flag Dealers Association, said flag sales have improved in the last
two years. He attributes the increase to the economy’s comeback, as well as the recent election. For those who boast active flag poles, there are tips for the best ways to care for the American flag. “The flag code states that flags should not be flown in inclement weather,” Aker said. “We are especially used to weather like that in northern Indiana, so if you know bad weather is coming, you should take your flag down.” To keep flags clean, those made of nylon can be washed in a machine, or if necessary, some dry cleaners will take flags. Flags must be air-dried flat. If a flag is damaged beyond repair, one shouldn’t just throw it away. “American Legions and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will take flags,” Aker said. “They will have a flag burning, which is the proper way to retire a flag.” But while flags retire, many more still fly. “Anytime there are things that happen tragically —the bombings in Boston, the tornadoes in Oklahoma — citizens want to create unification by displaying the flag,” Aker said. “When people feel passionate, they want to display that.”
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KATE STOLTZFUS
An American flag is attached to a patriotic replica windmill on Main Street in Kendallville.
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