The PIKE is the vertical dimension of the flag when flying. The FLY is the horizontal dimension. Look it up. Hal
@Hal Pollner, I googled that in a variety ways and couldn't find anything that related to 'dimensions' of the U.S. flag. Granted I could be inquiring with the wrong wording but I did try. I apologize if I offended you @Hal Pollner.
A Pike is the decorative knob or head on the top of the flagpole. A Fly is the side of the flag to the outside, the part most far from the rope used to pull up the flag.
I'm going to ask a simple question? Why do you fly the American flag from your homes? I would understand better if you lived in a different country and were proudly displaying the fact you were Americans.. but why in the USA do you fly flags outside of your homes? here in the UK, the only time a flag is displayed outside of some homes might be when there;s a world cup championship game on.. ..whereas in Spain and Italy where I have lived some immigrants will fly a flag of their own country alongside the flag of their adopted country outside of their homes, to show their patriotism to their home country while living in another ..Bulgarians, Russians, even some Brits... I just wondered why so many people in the USA fly the star spangled banner outside their homes, what's the purpose.. ?
Pride. Simple pride. I do not have the stats but I’d wager that most Americans who fly our flag are vets and the flag designates that that home has someone who has served and is proud to have served. Parents who have kids in the military often fly the flag much the same as someone puts a sticker on their car window saying that they have an honor student. For others, it is as I first wrote, they’re extremely proud to be an American and it’s a way to show it without saying anything. Especially with the latest situations going on regarding flag bashing, burning, kneeling etc, flying the flag makes a very blatant patriotic statement. Now, as to people from other countries flying their home country’s flag, most of Americans tolerate it but aren’t too keen about it. If someone comes here seeking a new home and flys their home country’s flag it really isn’t seen as a sign that says, “hi, I’m from Mexico or Guatemala”. It’s a sign of separation and not assimilation. It’s viewed as more of a statement as to what country they are patriots of but want the freedoms and opportunities that are supplied here. It’s a given that the rest of the world regards touring Americans as extremely arrogant but flying another countries flag whilst enjoying the freedoms here is considered beyond arrogant but again, mostly tolerated.
Thanks Bobby, it was simple curiosity tbh, I've just always wondered. In the aforementioned countries Italy and Spain, a foreigner is permitted to fly their own national flag.. but they must then fly the Spanish or Italian flag alongside.. that's fair enough IMO..
Flying both flags is indeed a sensible and fair way of doing things. One can be proud of one’s heritage and still show respect for the country they live in. Here, some things have gotten so out of hand that more Americans are flying the flag more than ever. In Southern California for instance, I have heard on the radio that during Cinco De Mayo, American kids are not allowed to wear shirts to school with the American Flag on them. For whatever reason, the Mexican kids consider it a slur against them to display the American symbolism and then the fights break out. Stupid but it is what it is.
Most of us grew up attending a school where the first things we did each school day morning was to face our national flag (hands over hearts) and say the Pledge of Allegiance, and after we had done that, the school principal (or someone) read a scripture from the Bible, and then we had about a minute for silent prayer before we began any of our studies. Most classrooms had a picture of our President, or at least a picture of George Washington . When there were school activities, like football games, before the game they played our National Anthem (Star Spangled Banner) while everyone stood facing the flag , with our hands over our heart. And not just school, but in almost any public event, it started with either the Pledge, or the Anthem, and all parades were led by “The Colors”, which for me was the American Flag, followed by the Idaho State flag . When we had the annual rodeo, the first thing that happened was someone galloping around the area , carrying an American Flag. After the 9/11 tragedy, we all bought little flags and attached them to our car antennas, or somewhere on the car. For at least a month, maybe more, you hardly passed a car that didn’t have an American flag attached to it. Many churches have both an American flag and the Christian flag displayed on the podium. Every public office has an American flag, and many other businesses have them. Every post office and government building has a huge flag out front. Our fitness center has a large one flying outside of the front entrance, and the biggest one that we usually see is down by Sam’s Club. I think it is put there by Verizon, which has offices across the street, or by the car dealership next door. So, @Holly Saunders , you can see that our flag is something that we see a lot of, so it is just natural to us to have a flag at our home, too. Many people only fly one on the Fourth of July, or for Memorial Day ; and it seems like the tradition has almost gone “by the wayside” with the upcoming generation.
This is one of the old-time comedians, Red Skelton, and one of his acts included a breakdown of our Pledge of Allegience. Most of us here in America probably grew up listening to Red Skelton and have heard this before, but those of you who are from elsewhere might not have ever heard this video, which was probably televised back in the late 50’s or early 60’s from Red’s weekly TV show. Worth a listen if you have never heard it (and another listen if you have heard it before).
This is not just about the flag, but speaks to our love of our country, and you will probably recognize most (if not all) of the entertainers in this short video of the song, “God Bless America”. Not our national anthem, but one of the patriotic songs we all grew up singing often.
Thanks for the videos Yvonne... I knew about American children having to recite the pledge etc... and at sports and major events too... I'm a little tired now.. it's late and eyes are stinging a bit, so I'll watch the videos when I get the chance tomorrow, thanks for your explanations they're very much appreciated..