It is July 4th, the day that we celebrate our independence and reflect upon what it means to be an American. Overall, most of us are proud of who we are as a nation and though we are going through some tough times we still take pride in our country. This is often seen in a subtle ways through the display of our flag on our porches, businesses, sporting complexes and government buildings; but our patriotism takes a more predominant presentation through people running up a mountain in France next to a pack of cyclists, a rowdy crowd at a FIFA World Cup game or wrapped around the back of an Olympic champion. But who makes these flags? Though it is dishearting to find a flag labeled ‘Made in China’, most U.S. flags are actually made in America.
One such company still producing flags in the U.S. is Annin Flagmakers. Based in New Jersey, Annin is the oldest and largest flag maker in the United States. The American flag was scarcely 70 years old in 1847 when brothers Benjamin and Edward Annin founded Annin Flagmakers flag–makers on Fulton Street in New York City. The business had begun with their father, Alexander Annin who had been sewing flags and supplying them to merchant ships from his sail-making shop on the New York City waterfront as far back as 1820. Annin grew throughout the years and had their greatest surges in production during times of elevated American patriotism. The Civil War, World War I, World War II, the addition of Alaska and Hawaii, and 9/11 all saw times of increased pride in our country and ultimately increased sales. Unfortunately there were slower times for the flag company too, particularly during the Vietnam War, but that was drought in sales was ended by our nation’s bi-centennial celebration.
In 2005, Annin Flagmakers joined with other domestic flag manufacturing companies and became a founding member of the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA). This industry organization is dedicated to promoting the manufacture of U.S. flags in America by Americans with domestically made fabric.
In Annin’s two largest domestic factories, US flags are manufactured with advanced cellular production techniques; state, international and custom flags are digitally and screen -dyed to exact color specifications; the in-house research and the development testing laboratories, together with the art department are constantly monitoring dye formulas. Our Distribution systems are in real-time synchronization compliance with customer requirements.
Presently, Annin Flagmakers is still family owned and operated by the Beard and Dennis families. On January 1, 2011 Carter Beard became the President and CEO of Annin Flagmakers. Carter and his cousin Sandy Dennis Van Lieu, Sr. Vice President, are supported by a strong team of managers, many of whom have over twenty to thirty years of experience with the company. Annin Flagmakers employs over 500 Americans and prides itself on the quality of its products and the experience of its people.
Next time you are looking for a flag to purchase for a sporting event that you are attending, check out where it is made. Along with supporting your favorite American athlete, you will also be supporting your fellow American.