Apr
17
Gadsden Flags Flying Off the Shelves in Support of the Tea Party Tax Protest
Filed Under AFB Press Releases, Current Events | Leave a Comment
LITTLE ROCK, AR
(Marketwire-April 16, 2009)
Waving signs with anti-tax slogans and carrying American flags, crowds gathered in support of less government spending and lower taxes in numerous cities yesterday. The “tea party” element of the gatherings was meant to reference the Boston Tea Party, a pre-Revolutionary War event in which colonists dumped tea in the Boston Harbor to protest the British king’s tax on what was a colonial staple. Many of the flags flown yesterday were historical and reminiscent of the American Revolution.
“Tea Parties” Increase Sales for Flags
One of the flags seen in abundance at these “Tea Parties” is the Gadsden flag, an historical American flag with a yellow field depicting a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Positioned below the snake is the legend “DON’T TREAD ON ME” [sic]. The flag was designed by and is named after American general and statesman Christopher Gadsden. It was also used by The United States Marine Corps as an early motto flag.
For many the “Tea Parties” are very political, for others the events are purely business — and really good business. Flag companies and other retailers carrying patriotic items have seen these flags fly off the shelves. According to Kerry McCoy, owner of FlagandBanner.com in Little Rock, Arkansas, “I wish I would have thought of it sooner and bought all the Gadsden Flags on the planet. This week Arkansas’ FlagandBanner.com along with every other flag dealer in America has sold out of Gadsden flags and First Navy Jack flags in protest of potential tax increases.” McCoy further stated, “If the flag had a snake or cannon on it, we sold out.”
According to McCoy, “There is no reason to despair if you haven’t already purchased your flags, as more are on their way. In fact Flag and Banner is taking advance orders today.”
More Gadsden Flags and First Navy Jack Flags are Available at FlagandBanner.com.
For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, visit http:/FlagandBanner.com.
Jan
14
New Flag for a New Era — Just in Time for the Inauguration
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Little Rock, Arkansas – Kerry McCoy, owner of Flag and Banner (http://www.FlagandBanner.com) announced today that the “Yes WE Can” flag associated with President-Elect Obama’s campaign for the White House is rapidly becoming the most popular flag associated with a president since George Washington. According to McCoy, “the flag commemorates history being made in the United States.”
The flag, which is still available for shipment in time for the Presidential Inauguration, may be seen at:
http://www.flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=DFLAG1682.
Presidential Inauguration Day is January 20, the day on which the President of the United States is sworn in and takes office. At exactly noon, the President takes the oath of office, traditionally administered by the Chief Justice of the United States using the form mandated in Article II, Section 1 of the United States Constitution.
President’s Day – More to Celebrate!
Whether you are celebrating the Inauguration or President’s Day on February 16th, Flag and Banner has patriotic decorations perfect for any celebration including a wide selection of fun and unusual products such as American flag jackets, American flag jewelry and more! (See http://www.FlagandBanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=142)
Sign up for Flag Alerts
Flag and Banner offers a free “Half Staff Flag Alert” e-mail notification service to anyone who wishes to be notified when the President calls for the flag to be lowered to half mast. To register to receive alerts go to http://www.flagandbanner.com/mlsubscription.asp.
Dec
5
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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LITTLE ROCK, AR – “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day” was established by Congress, by Public Law 103 308 as a time to commemorate Americans who died as a result of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor
In the early morning hours of December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese navy launched a surprise attack against the United States’ naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,400 Americans perished as a result, and over 1,200 were injured. As a result of this act, then-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the grim decision to enter the United States in World War II to fight with the Allies against the Axis powers.
Commenting on this year‛s Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Kerry McCoy, President of Arkansas Flag and Banner in Little Rock said, “It is important during these uncertain times that Americans remember our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It makes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day a poignant and timely day of commemoration.”
www.flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=67
Yellow Ribbon
McCoy suggests ways in which each individual can participate in this day of remembrance. “Yellow ribbons have become a national symbol of love, hope and prayer for those who have died and for those whose lives are currently in peril,” she stated.
www.flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=53
“We can all participate in a show of support for our troops during this holiday season by adding a yellow ribbon to our holiday decorations, to Christmas trees, to Hanukkah menorahs, or even by tying a yellow ribbon around your poinsettia plant. This gives additional meaning to the holidays by honoring the sacrifices our troops continue to make,” McCoy added.
www.flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=64
For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, visit
http:///www.flagandbanner.com
Other information on the Flag and Banner website includes:
Half Mast E-Mail Alerts: To register for a free e-mail alert notification when the President calls for the flag to be lowered to half mast, register at http://flagandbanner.com/mlsubscription.asp
Oct
29
Presidential Elections and Other National Commemorations Make November a Month For Patriotism
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas— If ever there was a month for patriotism, November is that time. Not only are national elections held every November, with a presidential election held every four years, but other noteworthy patriotic milestones are also commemorated.
Presidential Elections
We start this November with a historical presidential election. Kerry McCoy, President of Arkansas Flag and Banner, wants everyone to get into the electoral spirit. Her business now offers collectible “VOTE Democratic” or “VOTE Republican” shoes by TOM. For every pair sold TOM gives a pair to a needy child. www.flagandbanner.com/fab/ftsearch.asp?keywords=tomsshoes&x=14&y=15&searchtitle=TOMS+Shoes. More election merchandise is available onsite.
Marine Corps Birthday
November 10th marks the two hundred and thirty-third birthday of the United States Marine Corps which has been officially celebrated since 1921. Each year Marine Corps Birthday balls are held throughout the country to honor the Marines. Tradition has it that the oldest U.S. Marine present is given the first piece of cake and the second piece is given to the youngest Marine present. Flag and Banner has a lovely selection of gifts for the honorees, as well as patriotic dishes, serving trays and Marine Corps flag kits.
www.flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=121
Veterans Day
November 11, Veterans Day, honors all those who have fought in defense of the United States. The day commemorates the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, which ended World War I. To respectfully honor those who serve and have served, Flag and Banner carries special grave markers, license plates, hats and flags. During the month of November, FlagandBanner.com will be offering a 25% discount to all veterans with military ID (in store only). www.flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=23
Thanksgiving
It was O. Henry who called Thanksgiving “…the one day that is purely American,” and it truly is. From its colonial origins as an autumn harvest feast to the present, it is the day that Americans set aside to give thanks for all manner of things in their lives. Flag and Banner has autumn and Thanksgiving banners and flags that depict this time of year.
www.flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=24
For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, visit www.FlagandBanner.com.
Other information on the Flag and Banner website includes:
Half Staff E-mail Alert
To register for a free email alert notification when the President calls for the flag to be lowered to half staff, register at http://www.flagandbanner.com/mlsubscription.asp
Oct
20
Supporting TOMS Shoes
Filed Under AFB Press Releases, AFB's Community Service, AFB's Philanthropy | Leave a Comment
When Kerry McCoy heard about TOMS shoes for tomorrow and their new line for the upcoming election she was intrigued, until she found out more about the company. “When I heard that for every pair of shoes sold, they give a pair to children in need, I told my employees to sign us up.”
TOMS shoes was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. The original TOMS shoe has a unique slip-on design comprised of clean lines and lightweight fabrics in vibrant colors and prints. The idea for TOMS was inspired by Blake’s trip to Argentina where he saw the traditional Argentine alpargata. Struck by the poverty and health issues of the country, he set out to reinvent the alpargata for the U.S. market. His goal was simple: to show how together, we can create a better tomorrow by taking compassionate action by providing shoes – One for One.
To realize this purpose, Blake made a commitment to match every pair of TOMS purchased with a pair for a child in need. There are no complicated formulas- it’s simple: If you buy a pair of TOMS, the company will give a pair on your behalf. “I was overwhelmed by the spirit of the South American people, especially those who had so little,” Mycoskie says. “And I was instantly struck with the desire – the responsibility – to do more.”
During his first year in business, TOMS sold 10,000 pairs of shoes and Blake returned to Argentina to lead his first Shoe Drop during which he gave to the children who had inspired him. In November 2007, TOMS had its second Shoe Drop, hand-placing 50,000 pairs of shoes on children in South Africa.
Ms. McCoy said, “I was so inspired by this story. I couldn’t help but want to sell these shoes.”
FlagandBanner.com offers TOMS’ Vote Democrate and Vote Republican shoes. We hope that you will know for every step you take, a child you’ve never met is better off.
If you would like to participate in a shoe drop off, please contact Friends Of TOMS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to give further aid to communities by the TOMS One for One mission.
Sep
26
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas— It seems the landscape of political campaigning has changed, literally! In looking around Little Rock, it appears the political yard signs that use to adorn so many lawns have pulled up stakes and left.
Yard Signs
It used to be that yard signs were the mainstay of any political campaign and were handed out for free by any given candidate’s office. Today, however, chances are that if you ask your local republican or democratic party campaigners for a yard sign, they won’t have any to give. Kerry McCoy, owner of FlagandBanner.com in Little Rock, Arkansas, knows this first hand. She is getting so many requests for political merchandise that her flag company has had to branch out into political decals, buttons, and yes, yard signs, to meet the demands of her customers. www.flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=22
Presidential Candidates and Other Hopefuls
“I am shipping political yard signs all over the country,” McCoy said. “I guess the candidates are spending their advertising dollars on TV ads rather than yard signs.”
www.flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=MCCAINSIGN
www.flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=OBAMASIGN
In Virginia it’s been reported that there is a lawn sign war raging over voters who are frustrated because it’s nearly impossible to get a lawn sign for their preferred candidate and they fear their candidate’s efforts will be harmed because of it.
Political strategists have long contended that a yard sign is worth several hundred dollars of almost free advertising. Whether or not candidates adhere to this contention or not, McCoy sums up the situation best. “It is a sign (or not) of the times.”
For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, visit www.FlagandBanner.com.
Other information on the Flag and Banner website includes:
Half Staff E-mail Alert To register for a free email alert notification when the President calls for the flag to be lowered to half staff, register at http://www.flagandbanner.com/mlsubscription.asp.
Sep
8
Patriot’s Day: Commemorating 9/11 with The Gadsden Flag
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas—FlagandBanner.com (http://www.flagandbanner.com), a leading retail supplier of American flags and patriotic items, is selling the Gadsden Flag as well as the American flag, for those who want to fly a flag on Patriot’s Day to commemorate the victims who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The Gadsden Flag has a brilliant yellow background with a coiled rattlesnake ready to strike. The words “Don’t Tread On Me” are centered below the snake.
The Gadsden Flag History: Don’t Tread On Me
The flag was named after Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina, a Colonel in the Continental Army. A member of the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress, Gadsden and his fellow committee members decided to outfit the burgeoning country’s new Navy. In 1775, he designed the flag and then presented it to Commodore Esek Hopkins of Rhode Island, the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Fleet.
The Gadsden Flag and 9/11
After the tragic events of 9/11, American patriotism surged and the American flag was in great demand. Kerry McCoy, owner of Flag and Banner in Little Rock, Arkansas remembers the days that followed. “There was suddenly a scarcity of American flags to purchase. We sold out of every American flag we had in stock. Our business was not the only one this happened to. As an alternative to the American flag, requests came pouring in for the Gadsden Flag,” McCoy said.
“The Gadsden Flag seemed to be the appropriate representation of how the people of our nation felt. The phrase ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ took on renewed significance as did the rattlesnake, an historic symbol of resistance against tyranny,” she said. “It seems to have once again become a popular symbol of freedom and resolve in America,” she added.
Flag and Banner, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, is currently flying the largest Gadsden flag in the world. It measures 15’ x 25’.
The Gadsden flag and the American flag can be purchased at http://flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=HGADS35
For a concise history of the American Flag, see http://www.FlagandBanner.com/fab/flag.asp?cpage=history1.
Other information on the Flag and Banner website includes:
Flag E-mail Alert To register for a free email alert notification when the President calls for the flag to be lowered to half staff, register at http://www.flagandbanner.com/mlsubscription.asp.
For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, visit www.FlagandBanner.com.
Sep
4
HURRICANE FLAGS ARE BACK AND FLAG AND BANNER.COM TELLS THEIR STORY
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LITTE ROCK, ARKANSAS – Flag and Banner.com, a leading retail supplier of American flags and patriotic items, recently announced that those square red hurricane flags with the black square in the middle are making a comeback after nearly two decades on the sidelines. http://flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=NUSST3636FO
Hurricane Gustav Reminds Us Of Need For Hurricane Flags
Kerry McCoy, owner of Flag and Banner, said that “What may seem like a step back in technology is really just one more way to protect the public. After the Katrina disaster and now, in the midst of a very active hurricane season and having to deal with the likes of hurricanes Fay and Gustav, we all want to feel safer and to have all the possible warning tools available.”
“During the past thirty years,” McCoy said, “the length of time that I have been in the flag business, I have seen occasional purchases of U.S. Storm Signal flags, consisting of one or both of the red Gale Storm Pennant and the red and black squared Hurricane Storm Flag. But ever since Katrina, they are making a huge comeback because they really are needed.”
Hurricane Flags Are Back After U.S. Coast Guard Discontinued Use
In 1989, after 100 years of use, the Coast Guard found Storm Signal flags to be an inferior warning device compared to other technological devices such as television and radio. But today, with more storms and with what seem to be increasingly stronger storms, the Coast Guard is trying everything they can to protect coastal resident and visitors, and that includes bringing back the “Hurricane” flag. “While the flag’s reach is limited, we can expect to see more of the red and black squared flags flying along the coast for boaters and tourists to observe,” Kerry said.
To view and/or order hurricane and gale signal flags, visit http://flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=NUSST3636FO
For other interesting information on the Flag and Banner site, see www.flagandbanner.com
Aug
22
Back to School Time—The Perfect Time for Flag Etiquette & Information
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas—FlagandBanner.com (http://www.flagandbanner.com),a leading retail supplier of American flags and patriotic items, announced today that it will be providing free Flag Etiquette information year round for all those interested in learning the proper way to display the United States Flag.
Back To School: Time for Answers
“Every year when school starts we get a lot of e-mails and phone calls about proper flag etiquette. So many patriotic Americans are unaware of proper flag etiquette–when to take flags down, how to dispose of flags, and other general flag information,” stated Kerry McCoy, owner of Flag and Banner. “Because so many people from all over the United States getting ready for school to start have inquired about when and how to display the flag, we decided to provide the information in one place along with our e-mail alerts for people wanting notification on when to fly their flags at half staff,” Kerry continued.
Information on the Flag and Banner website includes:
When should the American Flag Be Flown? For a list of the primary holidays including five during which the flag should be flown at half mast, go to http://www.FlagandBanner.com/fab/flag.asp?cpage=flagseason.
US Flag History For a concise history of the American Flag, see http://www.FlagandBanner.com/fab/flag.asp?cpage=history1.
How to fold the American Flag For a step-by-step guide–perfect for churches, scouts, schools and others, see http://www.FlagandBanner.com/fab/flag.asp?cpage=folding1.
Half Staff E-mail Alert To register for a free email alert notification when the President calls for the flag to be lowered to half staff, register at http://www.flagandbanner.com/mlsubscription.asp.
Back to School Ideas for Teachers, Students and Parents Unique ways to educate students or thank your favorite teacher or student. See http://flagandbanner.com/holiday/viewholiday.asp?hid=37.
How to MakeYour Flag Look its Best Professionals use the “flag spreader.” See
http://flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=CFLAGSPM.
For more information on flags or to purchase patriotic items, go to www.FlagandBanner.com.
Aug
1
World’s Largest Gadsden Flag
Filed Under AFB Press Releases, Current Events | 19 Comments
At FlagAndBanner.com’s headquarters in Little Rock, Meghan Pittman, Kerry McCoy’s daughter, decided to make the world’s largest Gadsden flag. This applique flag is 15 feet by 25 feet and is currently flying on FlagAndBanner.com’s flagpole. After 9/11 the United States of America’s people began to fly the Gadsden flag as a representation of freedom and patriotism.
The Gadsden flag is a historical American flag with a yellow field depicting a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Positioned below the snake is the words “DONT TREAD ON ME.” The flag was designed by and is named after American general and statesman Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina. The Gadsden flag was flown early in 1776 by Commodore Esek Hopkins of Rhode Island, first Commander-in-chief of the Continental Fleet. Its inscription represented a warning by the colonists to the British during the Revolutionary war. Considered one of the first flags of the United States, the flag was later replaced by the current Stars and Stripes (or Old Glory) flag. Since the Revolution, the flag has seen times of reintroduction as a symbol of American patriotism.
For instance, unofficial usage of the Gadsden flag by the U.S. Government has been seen, particularly in the wake of September 11, 2001, most notably by Customs and harbor patrol boats in U.S. ports and individuals serving abroad in the U.S. Military. The First Navy Jack, which was directly related to the Gadsden flag, has also been in use by the U.S. Navy, and since the terrorist attacks is flown on all active naval ships. Citizens of the United States of America began flying the Gadsden flag in response to being attacked on their soil. No one will tread on American soil without a fight.
Whether you approve or disapprove of the war, FlagandBanner.com encourages you to remember the events, and the people who died on 9/11. Hold your own September 11th Memorial or simply take a moment of silence during your day.