Previous flag posts will give you my thoughts on Old Glory as I’ve reflected in the past on this most American of all holidays but I know you’re really here to celebrate by seeing images of the Stars and Stripes in all its glory. I like images of the flags in various forms and iterations. Some might appear disrespectful, maybe when you’re talking apparel and you’re not sure if something should worn or hoisted up a flag pole.

I take pictures of flags throughout the year to prepare for this post. Last year I posted my flag tribute early, a rare feat, but last year we were traveling on the Fourth of July. I had photos I never got to from last year that I know get a chance to show. Being well into flag season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, displays are out in full force for all of us to admire and celebrate. If you can’t get enough Fourth of July head over to the Pittsburgh Orbit, the birth place of patriotic display blog posts for additional coverage.

Tire Flap Flag

This image can’t escape getting roughed up from mud, road debris and water. Like any flag it stays the course in it’s role as a beacon of liberty all while looking good doing it.

Highway Fly Way

Hitting the highway for the Fourth makes for more opportunities to see flag displays if you happen to be taking the I-5 North highway off of Capitol Highway. This flag had been planted in a pole apparatus next to the roadway. It didn’t appear to a sanctioned flag holder so some ingenuity employed in finding ways to display this flag.

Centerpiece Flag

There’s nothing that’s going to make me want to work at the Tigard Home Depot more than a flag centerpiece at their job recruitment table. It’s decorative and right on target. Uh, that’s a different store. Anyway, they get points for the effort of adding anything considered decoration in their efforts to find employees.

Bracket It!

Near the fireworks stand sharing space with the Tigard Fred Meyers (again in Tigard), I spotted Old Glory with a feature that adds an unfurled effect. The white bar across the top looks like it’s engineered to extend the star-spangled banner allowing it to wave more freely. It’s a great concept that I wish more flags would adopt.

Hydrant Flag

A flag will spruce up anything. It sure distracts one’s attention from something like a hydrant. This South Portland scene caught my eye and while it’s an unusual combination, it works. There’s no need to paint fire hydrants red, white and blue like we did when we celebrated the Bicentennial. Hydrants just need a built in mini flag holder.

The Flag of Encampment

Hung from a tree near an urban camp site in South Portland (again with the South Portland), I noticed it was upside down. I can overlook this because it’s inclusion to the setting injects a dose of patriotism. And while it’s unfortunate, it is a reality that some people have to sleep under the stars.

Pallet it, Pal

 

I always want to believe a pallet flag is a handmade/homemade piece of yard art but I wouldn’t know hand crafted from store bought. Either way it still represents the flag well.

Stuck On Flag

They might peel but the colors of this sticker flag seen in the West Portland Park neighborhood never run. I do love a good sticker flag. No poles, bracket mounts or location hinderances. You can put it anywhere, within reason.

Group Flag

Flags in groups are part of the more the merrier style of decorating and they support the idea that you can never have too much of a good thing. When a gang of flags combine with another flag of almost any kind, shape or size, it gets even better.

Small Flag, Big America

I can’t remember where I got this mini flag but when I photographed it in the backyard I decided it looked epic. So really what are these for? I tried to remember. To attach a pickle to a hamburger, perhaps? No matter the size and scale is just right for a close up.

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More Portland Orbit coverage:

https://portlandorbit.wordpress.com/2018/07/04/special-flag-edition-2018-you-can-critique-the-flag/