Steve James, Managing Director of Alfiniti, Inc., oversees the manufacturing of nearly a million aluminium flagpoles annually.
When reflecting on these flagpoles' significant role, he said, "A pile of flagpoles headed for shipment isn't exactly what you'd call exciting. They're just a bunch of long, silver tubes. Unremarkable, really. It could be anything from a muffler to some kind of industrial piping. But our team sees the bigger picture. We know these tubes are something special."
While the American flag takes centre stage on Independence Day, another vital element is the flagpole.
The flag represents the ideals of democracy, independence, and triumph over oppression, and as James sees it, "the flagpole's role is to give rise to those ideals so they can be seen and remembered."
Early colonists used whatever they could to display flags in defiance of British rule. The first documented flagpole in the United States was a ship's mast erected on Prospect Hill in Boston in 1776, and ever since, these silent sentinels have stood witness to pivotal moments in American history, instilling a sense of reverence in all who behold them.
From raising the flag at Iwo Jima to the barren surface of the moon to the sombre lowering of the flag at half-staff in times of national mourning, the flagpole is a constant, reassuring presence that connects us to our history.
Over the past 247 years, the flag and its colours have become the iconic aesthetic of today's Independence Day canon. This year, as the nation celebrates July 4th and explodes in a sea of red, white and blue, the flagpole may go unnoticed. But it's still there.
"This July 4th, as we gather to celebrate our nation's independence, it's important to recognise the sentiment behind every flagpole," James continues.
"Just as the flagpole supports the flag and all it stands for, we need to embody that and ensure everything we do upholds our nation's ideals."
Then he adds, "I'm proud when I see a flagpole shipment go out, but honestly, I want more people to notice them."
Aside from small, hand-held flags, aluminium has emerged as the leading material for flagpoles, ranging from telescoping units for homes to the flags encircling the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, and many other national landmarks. This popularity stems from its combination of affordability and durability, providing a sense of confidence in your investment.
Aluminum's lightweight nature plays a key role in this advantage. The manufacturing process is less expensive than steel, and the lighter weight also translates to significant cost savings in shipping and installation. As a result, aluminium flagpoles are often seen at government buildings, sports arenas, and businesses alike.
Most of the residential flagpoles found in big box stores are made of welded aluminium in Alabama by Alabama Tube, a Division of Alfiniti, Inc. Larger flagpoles for government buildings and the like are made with the cold-drawn process at Alfiniti's headquarters in Winton, N.C.
Alfiniti, Inc. is proud to contribute to the patriotic spirit of the nation by producing flagpoles that not only support the flag but also uphold the values it represents. As the flag waves proudly overhead this Independence Day, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every aluminium flagpole.
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