Flag FAQs

MISSING PARTS:
If parts are missing from your kit or it is defective in some way, please contact the retailer from whom you purchased the kit from and exchange the product to the retailer within 30 days of purchase. In this way, your return will be processed efficiently and you will receive the product that you need much quicker.

REPLACEMENT PARTS for LAWN FLAGPOLE SETS (RKP15-20 MODELS):
Pole sections are merchandised in several retail stores (including Menard’s Home Center and Mills Fleet Farm) at a lower cost to you. Smaller accessories such as flag snaps, rope and hardware are a universal fit with most flag manufacturers and can be purchased at many home center and outdoor living retailers.

HOW TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT PARTS for RESIDENTIAL LAWN FLAGPOLE SETS (RKP15, RKP20N)
Online ordering is available for some or all parts from Mills (www.millsfleetfarm.com) and Menards (www.menards.com) customer websites. Please call or visit the nearest retailer for more info on ordering parts.

Olympus Group is a manufacturer and wholesaler of flags and, therefore, we do not sell directly to the consumer. Olympus flags and flagpole kits can be purchased at many retailers and ecommerce catalogs throughout the United States. The following retailers also offer internet purchases for your on-line shopping convenience:

Mills Fleet Farm
Menards
Kohls
Wayfair

Please refer to the Product Return Spec Sheet, found here.

The blue field of stars should always be at the peak of the staff, whether flown from a ground set pole or a staff off of building or balcony.

When displayed against a wall or in a window, the blue field should be uppermost and to the left of the observer.

When displayed flat on a speaker’s platform, the flag should be behind and above the head of the speaker. If it is displayed from a staff, it is placed to the speaker’s right.

When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it is suspended vertically. The blue field points north on a street running north and south.

When carried in processions with another flag, the US flag is borne to the right of the other emblem as carried by the marchers. When carried with several other flags, it may be borne in front of the center of the line formed by the other standards,

No other flag should be placed above the US flag.

The flag should never have placed on it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature.

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should first be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

The US government generally expects a nylon flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset- but not during inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases, a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one-fourth as long as one flown during the daylight hours only.

The key to a flags’ longevity is preventative maintenance. The condition of a flying flag should be monitored regularly. When the fly-end begins to tear, it is imperative that the flag be taken down for repair. Larger flags damage much more quickly due to the additional weight of the flag.

Click HERE for a printable version.

Display your US flag proudly on the following days:

• • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Inauguration Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Army Day
  • V-E Day
  • Mother’s Day
  • Armed Forces Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Flag Day
  • Father’s Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • V-J Day
  • Patriot Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Navy Day
  • Presidential Election Day
  • Veteran’s Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Pearl Harbor Day
  • Christmas Day

The US Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning”.

The Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts and / or veteran’s organizations (VFW’s) typically have some form of flag retirement service that is performed at certain times throughout the year. We recommend contacting your local organization(s) to see when the services are being held.

Olympus Group is proud of its fine craftsmanship and recommends nylon and polyester flags for outdoor use. Our nylon US flag is made of Solarmax nylon fabric, the most durable and superior nylon flag material available. Its quick-drying capability and lightweight construction make it an all-weather flag. With reasonable care, you can extend the life of a flag. Here are a few tips for all flags:
Preventive Maintenance:
For longest use, do not fly your flag in periods of rain, snow or abnormally high winds as these conditions will shorten its life considerably.

Choose a location away from trees, cables, etc. to install your flagpole to avoid having the flag brush against rough areas.

Periodically examine your flags for wear and loose stitching, especially on the fly end. Have the flag repaired early to extend the life of your flag.

The US Government’s testing standards on the deluxe quality, heavy duty nylon flags reveal that flags are expected to last approximately 90 days based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset, but not during inclement weather. Tests have shown that in some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last one quarter as long as one flown only during the day.

Regardless of the quality craftsmanship, the flag is a textile product and will age with the various climates and weather conditions. Olympus suggests that preventive maintenance be completed regularly to prolong the life of a flag. Larger flags (6’X10′ and up) are a significant investment and should be given extra care. Consider having three flags and periodically rotating them for cleaning or repair.

Cleaning:
Flags waving in the breeze from a porch flagpole or in the yard eventually become soiled. Whether you are flying the Stars and Stripes or a decorative garden banner, most outdoor flags are made of sturdy and weather-resistant nylon. This synthetic polymer fabric doesn’t fade easily in the sun and it survives moisture well, but direct heat can cause it to melt. Nylon flags are usually machine washable, but care must be taken to prevent the colors from bleeding and to avoid heat damage. Tip: Many professional dry cleaners will clean American flags for you.

To keep the flag looking its best, clean your flag on a regular basis. Heavy duty outdoor nylon or polyester flags can be hand-washed with cold water and mild soap (example: Woolite). Tip: Wash nylon flags alone. Even though your flags have been pretreated for color fastness, eventually the colors may bleed or fade. To keep your bright colors looking their best, you can mix one part vinegar into four parts cold water and soak for an hour.

Roll the flag in a towel to wring out the water and then spread out allowing the flag to air dry completely. Do not fold or roll-up a wet or damp flag.

Indoor parade flags with fringe should be professionally dry cleaned. Promotional quality polyester flags are designed to be flown outside only for holiday use and will not last as long as the heavy duty nylon or polyester flags.

Step 1 for folding a US Flag

To properly fold the flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so

that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 2 for folding a US Flag

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars,

holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 3 for folding a US Flag

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 4 for folding a US Flag

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Step 5 for folding a US Flag

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 6 for folding a US Flag

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 7 for folding a US Flag

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

Generally a 3′ x 5′ flag is ideal for display outside of your home. Some prefer a slightly smaller flag such as a 2′ x 3′. These numbers are the best flags for outdoor use.

The appropriate size flag for display outdoors is determined by the type of flagpole, the length of the flagpole, and the number of flags being flown simultaneously on that pole.

Select the ideal style, finish and mounting options to suit your needs.

Grommeted Flags-
Use either flag ties or flag rings to attach to a house mount or in-ground flagpole.

Banner Style Flags-
Have pole sleeves designed for 1″ diameter poles that have a clip at the top of the pole. A tab is provided on the inside of the flag’s pole sleeve and is used to secure to a clip on the flagpole.

Flag Material Options: Olympus Flag & Banner – US Flag Division of Olympus Group offers the finest materials available to meet many flag applications and customer preferences:

100% Nylon Flags: US Flags made of 100% Nylon material, the most durable and preferred flag material available. These flags are made of inherently strong 200 denier Nylon, yet remain lightweight for easy flying and quick drying qualities. Flags are colorfast to both sun and rain. Stars are beautifully embroidered and stripes are individually sewn together for a truly magnificent product.

Polyester Blend: Lighter weight PolyCotton flags feature fully printed, vibrant material designed for promotional and holiday use. A heavier weight Polyester flag is also available for commercial applications.

Cotton Blend: These flags are designed to be reminiscent of a traditional US Flag and are intended for indoor or ceremonial use only.