Big and small banners have been flying from flag poles decades, if not centuries. A flag is a piece of cloth or fabric, such as polyester or nylon that is usually flown from a commercial or residential pole. Flags and banners have been commonly used for purposes of identification but also signaling. With the exception of a few nations in the world, most countries, states and provinces have their own identifying flags and banners. Big and small banners have been flying from flag poles decades, if not centuries. A flag is a piece of cloth or fabric, such as polyester or nylon that is usually flown from a commercial or residential pole. Flags and banners have been commonly used for purposes of identification but also signaling. With the exception of a few nations in the world, most countries, states and provinces have their own identifying flags and banners.

The well known flag and banner of the U.S.A. is also known as the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory and the Star Spangled Banner. This flag in our day has thirteen alternating white and red colored horizontal (straight) stripes and a blue rectangle counting fifty white, five-pointed stars on the upper left side portion of the flag.

Most countries have specific guidelines and rules with regards to their national and regional or local flags. The U.S. flag code, which includes all etiquette with regards to The Star Spangled Banner, is pretty specific about how Old Glory should be handled. It is a custom in the U.S.A. to fly Old Glory from sunrise all the way to sunset. There are a few specific places in the United States of America where the flag is flown continuously. Some of these places are the White House and the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

More guidelines with regards to flag etiquette can be found in the United States flag code and they include topics such as: flag disposal, flag salutation and more.

One should be careful and take precautions to prevent the Stars and Stripes from becoming damaged. When the flag is moving towards "bad condition," consider cleaning and repair. If the flag is no longer a fitting emblem, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner. Note that flags and flown from flag poles are subject to all kinds of weather conditions.

Give your flag the attention it really deserves. Make sure to observe it every so often. Especially watch the corners on the "fly-end" of your banner. This is normally the first area to show signs of wear and tear.

Consider flag repair and cleaning when necessary and to prevent further damage. The process is cheap, fast and is considered perfectly proper. When done promptly, flag repair and cleaning can greatly extend the life of your flag!