Just in time for the Fourth of July we installed a new flagpole in front of our house.
As with any project around our house, there is a certain amount of debate (argument) about the project. This time the debate (argument) was about the location of said flagpole.
Before the location debate surfaced, a number of other issues had to be worked out.
How high should the pole be? What color should the pole be? What size flag should we get?
We found out the size of the flag is pretty much determined by the circumference of the pole.
The reason for purchasing a stand-alone flagpole in the first place is the relentless prairie wind we have to endure.
Our flag was continually wrapping around the pole attached to the front porch, or worse yet, tossing the flag up on the roof and getting it hung up on the gutter.
So in an effort to be an informed shopper, I went online to scope out flagpoles. I have come to the conclusion that if you only bought things based on customer reviews, you would never buy a thing.
Giving up on the Internet, I made my purchase the old-fashioned way and went to the store.
About the only decision I had to make at the store was whether to buy the 15-foot pole or the 20-footer. Based on the old adage, I went with the 20-footer.
That was a mistake. I was worried the taller version would interfere with planes approaching the local airport from the north to land.
As the location debate continued, we finally settled on a location for the pole. Let’s just say the pole is in a good spot and leave it at that.
Due to our wind, we all know if you are going to put something outside, you have to anchor it down, or soon rather than later the wind will have its way with it.
That said, 320 pounds of concrete was used for the base of the flagpole.
For those of you that have a flagpole in your yard, you’ll know what I mean by this, but there is a patriotic feeling you get when you pull up to your house and you see our nation’s flag blowing in the wind.
I would encourage you to consider flying the flag at your home.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.