When last reported on, our WWI Centennial Commemorative Flag was in production. We are pleased to announce that the first flag was flown this week at the American Legion Headquarters in Indianapolis, In. February 14, 2017 was a beautiful day with a blue sky serving as the backdrop for this historic occasion. It is our hope that other posts and locations will join in commemorating the centennial of World War 1, which the U.S. officially entered on April 6, 1917. Please contact us if you are interested in ordering and pricing information.
As defined by Merriam – Webster, a flag is usually a rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation), as a signaling device, or as a decoration. For many of us, the most obvious flag that comes to mind is the American flag. Since the August 1959 admission of Hawaii as our 50th state, we’ve known it to consist of 13 equal alternating red and white horizontal stripes, and 50 white, five-pointed stars set in a blue canton. Simple and straightforward, yet uniquely American.
We see flags every day and in almost everything we do. Barely a category exists that doesn’t have at least one flag symbolizing its origin or history: National, Civil, Military, International, Maritime, Religious, Diplomatic, Sports and the like. From the Latin word vexillum (flag) and the Greek suffix logia (study), vexillology is the scientific study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags. A vexillographer, therefore, is a person who designs flags.
Design Principles for Successful Flags
A flag’s purpose is to represent a place, organization, or person, generally on a rectangular piece of cloth, to be seen at a distance, often moving, and reproduced in quantity and in many sizes. With those objectives in mind, there are basic design principles adhered to and jointly published by the North American Vexillological Association and the Flag Institute in their Guiding Principles of Flag Design:
1) When designing a flag remember that it will fly in the wind, so imagine what it will look like both flying in a brisk breeze and hanging down on a still day.
2) Simplicity is important in creating a design that is easily recognizable and simple to reproduce. Also try imagining it in a small size, such as a lapel pin, when small details will not be obvious.
3) A flag needs to be distinctive so as not to be mistaken for another. Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.
4) Use meaningful symbolism. It you want a flag to remain popular for a long time, it should look as timeless as possible.
World War One Centennial Anniversary
April 6, 2017, will mark the Centennial Anniversary of the U.S. declaration of war on the German Empire and official entrance into World War One. As the Official Licensee of the World War One Centennial merchandise program, C. Forbes, Inc. has designed a new addition for our merchandise collection: a World War One Centennial Commemorative Flag. Featuring a white background, clean simple lines, the iconic doughboy silhouette, barbed wire, and bold red, white and blue stars and stripes, this design depicts the hallmarks of trench warfare and the role played by the United States.
Remaining consistent with the WW1 100 Years design on many other items in the collection, such as challenge coins, apparel, lapel pins and memorabilia, we have designed this 3’ x 5’ nylon commemorative flag that is particularly suitable for flying or displaying at VFW and American Legion posts. In addition, museums, school classrooms, WWI memorials, and a host of other venues are appropriate for proudly showcasing this flag.
VFW and American Legion Posts
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, a nonprofit veterans service organization, dates back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces, there are approximately 6, 500 VFW posts worldwide and close to 1.7 million VFW and auxiliary VFW members.
Specifically born as a result of World War One was the American Legion, chartered in 1919 by Congress as a patriotic veterans organization. The Legion took shape as battle-weary veterans focused on service to veterans, service members and communities while producing important programs for children and youth. Today, there are over 14,000 American Legion posts worldwide with a membership of over 2.4 million. The posts are organized into 55 departments, one for each of our 50 states, along with D.C., Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.
“They’ve Earned Their Own Memorial”
A portion of proceeds from the sale of this commemorative flag will help fund the National WW1 Memorial to be built in Pershing Park, as we honor and remember sacrifices made one century ago.
Please contact us for more information about our products and customization process. Our mission is to design, produce and present quality, custom items that tell your story. We welcome the opportunity to combine your goals with our expertise to properly commemorate your unique anniversary, event or organization.