August 15, 2011
A Note from Thomas J. D'Amico, President of American Flags Express-

On September 8th 2001 my 19 year old cousin, Dawid arrived at Chicago O'Hare Airport from Poland to live with our family in Wisconsin for a few months. It was his first trip to America.
Before returning to our Wisconsin home, Dawid asked if his first American meal could be a Chicago hot dog. I knew just the place, Portillo's Hot Dogs in the heart of Chicago. Within a few minutes we were standing outside Portillo's eating a Chicago style hot dog and fries while the sun began to set.
The lights of the Chicago skyline were starting to glow. Sounds of the city filled the air. From just across the street, we could hear Elvis music coming from the Rock 'n Roll McDonald's. Dawid is a huge Elvis fan. He turned to me and said, "I'm here... I'm really in America."
A few days later on September 11, 2001, Dawid and I watched the terrorist attack unfold on TV. Dawid asked, "Is this the end of America?" I told him, no it was not the end of America. I explained he would witness the greatest renewal of patriotism within my lifetime. Americans would join together to defeat the enemy.
And even though, at the time of this writing, almost 10 years later, our country is experiencing tremendous problems, our citizens remain incredibly resilient and determined to get our country back on track. We are dreamers with a purpose and never ending determination. -Thomas J. D'Amico

June 30, 2011

American Flags Express Inc. - Top 10 Myths about the American Flag An essential guide before your Independence Day BUTLER, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-

With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, it is important you know the facts—and the myths—surrounding the good old stars and stripes before you put up your American flags to celebrate. You are probably already aware of several facts regarding the American flag, but how many are actually true?
“Some of our most patriotic customers have unwittingly perpetuated these myths, mainly by e-mail” Thomas D’Amico, founder of American Flags Express, Inc. (www.FlagsExpress.com), reports hearing countless untruths regarding the flag’s significance. “Some of our most patriotic customers have unwittingly perpetuated these myths, mainly by e-mail,” says D'Amico.
American Flags Express Inc. has compiled a list of the top 10 untruths they hear circulated about the American flag from their customers that you should know before you hang your flags as a symbol of your patriotism this summer.
Myths:
1. Each of the thirteen folds required to store an American flag has a significant meaning. These meanings were, in fact, created by a chaplain during a burial service in 2002, but the meanings are not recognized by the American Legion.

2. All American flags must be made in America. There are no federal laws restricting the importation of American flags.

3. The mayor, a town official, or the post commander may order the flag to be displayed at half-staff. Only the president of the United States or a state governor may order the flag to be half-staffed, in accordance with the Flag Code.

4. An American flag must be destroyed if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for displaying, you may continue to display it.

5. Cutting up the American flag is a proper method of flag retirement. The most accepted retirement methods are respectfully burning or American flag recycling.

6. The American flag must be retired by burning. Burning is not mandated by the Flag Code.

7. The Flag Code assigns penalties for violations of any of its requirements. The Flag Code is a guideline, and the law does not provide penalties for noncompliance.

8. The Texas state flag is the only flag authorized to fly at the same height as the American flag. The Flag Code merely states that when the state flag is flown along with the American flag, the American flag is given a position of superior dominance, whether it is placed at the highest point or on the far right staff, if multiple staffs are used. Therefore, any state may fly a flag at the same height as the American flag and still observe the provisions of the Flag Code.

9. A flag that has been used to cover a casket is forbidden from being used for any other display purposes. A flag that has been used to cover a casket may be used afterward for any proper display purpose.

10. The Flag Code prohibits the washing or dry-cleaning of an American flag. The Flag Code does not provide rules regarding the washing or dry-cleaning of the flag. The decision to do either should depend more on the type of material of the flag.

For more information regarding American flags, visit www.FlagsExpress.com. If you would like more information about this topic or want to schedule an interview with Thomas J. D'Amico, please contact Karen Toussaint at 262-783-4800, ext. 10, or email kt@FlagsExpress.com.

 

March 8, 2011
Click here to see our press release posted on Yahoo! Finance or read it below:

American Flag Sales Are Rising, Indicating an Economic Upturn Ahead, According to American Flags Express

BUTLER, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Leading companies in American flag sales are experiencing an unusually high increase in quotation requests, most notably in California, indicating there will be higher sales in the months to come. If the 60-year trend holds true, we should see a significant improvement in the American economy toward the fourth quarter of 2011 based on these results.
When the economy falters, the American flag industry is last to be affected and first to recover, according to Thomas J. D'Amico, founder of AmericanFlagsExpress.com. He adds that this pattern has repeated itself with a relative consistency over the last 60 years.
No one knows the precise reason for this noteworthy trend, but the theory is relatively logical. When businesses and consumers start cutting back, they look at the big expenses that occur weekly or monthly. On the other hand, an American flag should need to be replaced every year or two. During a tough economy, most buyers might go one cycle without changing their American flag-buying habit. However, when things really get tight at about six months into an economic downturn, even the American flag might be cut from the budget, or at least trimmed down.
“The first thing we notice,” according to D'Amico, “are buyers asking questions regarding the smallest American flags they should fly on their flagpoles. We started receiving these types of questions back in November of 2008, well into the economic downturn.” This downturn became even more significant in 2009 when American auto dealers, among the top American flag-buyers, began downsizing their 30' x 60' American flags.
D’Amico goes on to say, “Even our government agency contracts were delayed. It became apparent that everyone was trying to stretch their dollars. Eventually it became more common to see tattered American flags.” Sales hit bottom toward the middle of 2010. Many people in the industry had indicated as much as a 30% decrease in sales.
However, according to D'Amico, the good news is that flag and flagpole sales started trending upward when it was least expected. The winter months, usually the slowest for flag sales, have turned out ahead of forecast, indicating that both industrial customers and consumers are more upbeat about where the economy is heading. Sales are up over 131% from last year, with the biggest increases coming from the west coast, particularly Southern California. “Over 41% of our American flag sales come from California, and we see this market returning after a two-year hiatus.”
This leading indicator projects a positive economic outlook.
If you would like more information about this topic or want to schedule an interview with Thomas J. D'Amico, please contact Karen Toussaint at 262-783-4800, ext. 10, or email kt@AmericanFlagsExpress.com.

December 15, 2010 -- Antarctica
American Flags Express Inc., www.AmericanFlagsExpress.com  provided the strong, light weight flagpole used by the marathon racing team representing India during the extreme Antarctica Ice Marathon held December 15, 2010.  The 100 K course is located at Union Glacier, Antarctica just a few hundred miles from the South Pole at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains.  Billed as, undoubtedly the world’s coldest 100K, the average wind chill temperature is 20° below zero.   It’s so cold and windy there are no penguins living this far south.  Tom D’Amico, founder of American Flags Express Inc. said, “Our flags and flagpoles have been used in many extreme conditions but this is the first time we’ve had product in Antarctica.  We are proud that our reputation for quality products has taken us to so many extreme locations.”  The race is sponsored by KOBBOLD Watch Company.

For more information please call, 262 783-4800 ext 19 or email TD@AmericanFlagsExpress.com

 

December 9, 2010 -- Massachusetts
American Flags Express Inc., www.AmericanFlagsExpress.com has been selected to provide a historic replica American flag that will grace the first freestanding U.S. post office. The Santuit Post Office is located in Cotuit Massachusetts on Cape Cod.  It was a US post office from 1892 until 1960. Prior to that, post offices were typically part of a local general store or in someone's home.  This special historic American flag will have only 44 stars, an accurate representation of the flag in use between 1891 and 1896. American Flags Express Inc. is known worldwide for accurate historic flags for use in museum dioramas and historic motion pictures. Thomas J. D'Amico, founder of American Flags Express Inc. said, “It is important to note that no US flag ever becomes obsolete.  Each American flag dating all the way back to 1777 is still a legal flag and may be flown at any time.”

 

September 24, 2010 -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
American Flags Express Inc., www.FlagsExpress.com has been selected to provide flags for the arrival of President Obama next Tuesday, September 28, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin.  The flags will be used directly behind the presidential podium.  Thomas J. D'Amico, founder of American Flags Express Inc. said, "We are always honored to provide flags for presidential events.  I'm proud to say, for our company this honor dates back to the Kennedys.”  American Flags Express Inc. also provides flags and flagpoles for hundreds of government agencies including the US Supreme Court, all five branches of the military and embassies.  American Flags Express Inc. has over 100,000 customers worldwide.

December 13, 2004 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin  
American Flags Express, www.FlagsExpress.com, has been selected to supply over 450 United States and Texas flags for a new film by Vengeance Productions taken from Marvel Comics, Ghost Rider. Thomas J. D’Amico, President of American Flags Express said, “The entertainment industry has become an important client base for our company because of our experience working with their special flag and flagpole needs.”  American Flags Express has provided flags for a number of movies including the Disney film, Glory Road, Austin Powers, several TV commercials, and the TV show WEST WING.

Ghost Rider will be based on the Marvel Comic Book series. Nicholas Cage will be starring in the movie Ghost Rider, filling the role of Johnny Blaze. Ghost Rider is the story of motorcycle stuntman, Johnny Blaze, who, seeking revenge for harm done to his one true love, makes a pact with dark forces to avenge the wrongdoing. By day, the Ghost Rider is a motorcycle stuntman able to perform superhuman tricks; by night he is transformed into a burning demon on wheels as he hunts down those who bring pain to the innocent in order to wreak vengeance on the guilty.Ghost Rider will be the biggest feature film ever made in Victoria, Australia, with shooting beginning January of 2005. For more information contact Tom D’Amico at 262-783-4800 x 11.

July 23, 2004 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
American Flags Express, www.FlagsExpress.com, has been selected to supply over 560 Navy Jack flags and flagpoles for a new Disney film, Glory Road . Thomas J. D’Amico, President of American Flags Express said, “The entertainment industry has become an important client base for our company because of our experience working with their special flag and flagpole needs.”  Ben Affleck will star in Glory Road as a college basketball coach who led the first all-black lineup of players to the NCAA championship. Affleck will portray Coach Don Haskins, whose integrated 1966 Texas Western team beat an all-white team from Kentucky . Haskins won the NCAA title four years after taking over the team and helped further open the college game to African-Americans. For more information contact Debra at Double D Associates, 262-783-4800 ext 19.

May 15, 2004 – Milwaukee , Wisconsin
American Flags Express, www.FlagsExpress.com, has been selected to supply flags and flag sets for the popular TV show WEST WING.  Thomas J. D’Amico , President of American Flags Express said, “The entertainment industry has become an important client base for our company because of our experience working with large special events.” The flags and flag sets will be used both indoors and outdoors to visually establish scene locations. For more information contact Debra at Double D Associates, 262 783-4800 ext 19

April 23, 2003 – Milwaukee , Wisconsin
American Flags Express, www.FlagsExpress.com, has been selected to supply flags of England and Scotland for the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington , Kentucky for the arrival of Princess Ann . This was a very special event and the flags had to be of the highest quality and delivered on very short notice. For more information contact Debra at Double D Associates, 262 783-4800 ext 19

November 10, 2003 – Milwaukee , Wisconsin
American Flags Express, www.FlagsExpress.com, has been selected to supply American flags to Key Plus Pictures in Seoul , South Korea . 

September 8, 2002 – Milwaukee , Wisconsin
Patriotism has been at an all-time high since the terrorist attacks on September 11 and huge American flag displays have become extremely popular at public events including car racing. ChicagoLand Speedway in Juliet , Illinois rented a 160’ x 300’ American flag from American Flags Express, www.FlagsExpress.com for the opening event prior a recent car race. This flag requires over 150 volunteers to setup and has been used at events all over America . American Flags Express also rents other extremely large American flags including the worlds largest which measures 255’ x 505’. For more information contact Debra at Double D Associates, 262 783-4800 ext 19