Flag Day 2016
Flag Day is observed on June 14th each year to commemorate the national symbol of the United States of America.

Brief History of the Flag

Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in May of 1776 in her house on Arch Street in Philadelphia. By the way, you can see Betsy’s house, and “her flag” in Old City Philly, just blocks from the Delaware River—along with a slew of other historic buildings, museums and monuments.

On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”

Washing Your Flag

Like most clothing, and items made of fabric, regular washings will prolong the life of your flag. Most outdoor flags are now made of polyester or nylon, meaning they are more durable than cotton and can be washed by hand (in the bathtub) or by machine, in warm water. They can be soaked and pre-treated, if needed.

Older flags, which were typically made from cotton, are more prone fading, degradation, tears and stains; specifically mildew and rust. Older flags should never be bleached, or come in direct contact with chlorine bleach, unless it’s diluted. Unfortunately, mildew usually requires chlorine bleach to remove such stains and discolorations. Rust is an easy fix with the right chemical. It’s best to let flags air dry, regardless of the fabric content.

Drycleaning Your Flag
We are big supporters of patriotism in Richmond, and we love to see our neighbors fly their US flag. That’s why we started our Puritan Pledge Of Allegiance Program many years ago. We encourage all of our friends to fly their American Flag proudly and have pledged to clean the American Flag for free all year long.

Pledge of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”