American Flag & Banner

Do You Need A Strong Long Lasting Alabama State Flag?

State Flag of Alabama
Alabama Flags - State Flag Information

The Alabama State Flag as it exists today was adopted on February 16, 1895, pursuant to Act No. 383 of the 1895 Legislature of Alabama (Acts 1894-1895, p. 719), which is codified as Section 1-2-5, Code of Alabama 1975. Section 1-2-5, Code of Alabama 1975, provides\: "The flag of the state of Alabama shall be a crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white. The bars forming the cross shall be not less than six inches broad, and must extend diagonally across the flag from side to side." The St. Andrew's Cross resembles the letter "X" in the English alphabet and is also referred to as the "saltier" or "Crux Decussata." According to tradition, Andrew, the brother of Peter, was crucified on a cross of this shape. Andrew did not feel worthy enough to die on the same style of cross on which Christ died and requested a cross of another shape. His request was granted and he was crucified upside down on a cross which now bears his name. Rather than using nails to secure his limbs to the cross, Andrew was bound to the cross with ropes. His suffering was thus prolonged. St. Andrew's Cross came into wide use during the Medieval Period and became the national cross of Scotland, since St. Andrew was the patron saint of Scotland. Currently, Alabama law requires the display of the Alabama State Flag at all schools supported by public funds when school is in session. The State Superintendent of Education has determined that the Alabama State Flag must be hoisted on a pole to be appropriately displayed at school buildings.

Flag Care:

We realize that many of our valued customers are not familiar with the characteristics of flag construction, dyes, and materials used in manufacturing.  All dyed flags absorb rays.  The color absorption process not only gives us our flag color but aids in the degradation of the dye (fading) from the sun.  The flag materials are effected in the same way and are acted upon by the forces of wind and airborne particles driven into the flag.  The reinforced fly end is also exposed to these factors especially during windy and rainy conditions.  So, flags can be expected to wear or fade out in response to geographical conditions, methods of attachments, and placement within the local area of display.

Help prevent premature flag wear.  Take the flag down during storms whenever possible. Keep your flag from fraying or tearing by looking at the fly end of the flag for any signs of war.  If wear appears, the worn part should be cut off and the flag re-hemmed. A clean flag will last longer. Pollutants in the air will get into the fabric and cause it to degrade.  To clean, wash it in a mild detergent, rinse and hang dry.  Keep your flag away from petroleum and chemical products.  Never fold or store a flag when it is wet.  Let it hang dry completely before you put it away.  Wet flags will mildew and ruin the fabric.