Blog

Each year, Veterans Day occurs on the anniversary of the end of World War I. Nearing its 100-year anniversary, this day is set aside each year to remember and appreciate all the women and men who serve in our country’s armed forces. A veteran is any person who has served full-time in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard. Reserve and National Guard members who have been called to active duty are also considered Veterans. Check out the infographic below for a few unique facts about the veteran population from different states across the nation. Scroll further for a full list of veterans facts for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Data cited in the infographic and table below were taken from the following sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census American FactFinder, US VeteransAdministration .

Photo: Milly Calderon (left) and daughter, Rita Caruso

At Carrot-Top, we put customer service first, which means we are constantly talking to customers and listening to their feedback on our products. We deal with so many interesting and inspiring people from across the United States, and we often hear stories that touch our hearts and make us stand a little taller as proud providers of U.S. flags. Once in a while, we will get a special testimonial that stands out from the rest. We recently received one in the form of a handwritten note (We don't get many of those anymore!) that made us pause and ponder the importance of the U.S. flags we sell, and the profound meaning they hold for our customers.

Frequent inspection and proper care of your flag and flag pole parts can make a huge difference in the life of your display. It is important to check your flag, flagpole, and its components year-round—especially as the seasons change. Be sure to examine your flagpole’s halyard rope for wear each time the flag is raised or lowered. If the flag isn’t lowered daily, check the halyard at each season change. If the weather is turning inclement, such as high winds, sleet or ice accumulation, be sure to lower your flag to protect it from extreme elements. Use the following tips to help you winterize and prolong the life of your flag and flagpole.

National Fire Prevention Week is October 7th – 13th and this year’s campaign theme is, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” National Fire Prevention Week works to educate people about everyday steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire—and how to escape safely in the event of one.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is September 21, 2018. On this day we not only fly the U.S. flag, we also fly the POW/MIA flag to honor and remember those heroes who were killed or have gone missing in action during wartime. Fly your POW/MIA flag alone or underneath a larger U.S. flag on the same staff for a meaningful display of recognition on POW recognition day.

Hurricane Florence is not over yet, and it has already brought much devastation to coastal North Carolina. As the weekend approaches, our thoughts are with our already-affected neighbors to the East as we prepare for several days of heavy rainfall in central North Carolina.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018, marks the 17th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the U.S. Pentagon. In the years that followed 9/11, America has continued to grow and prosper fearlessly, showing our unshaken spirit. One of the most visible ways to experience the true spirit of America is to pay attention to the ways we have continued to honor the victims of the attacks. From the lowering to half-staff of the U.S. flag on 9/11, to city and town memorials honoring first responders, public displays of remembrance and respect continue to foster a sense of community and togetherness for all Americans.

September 11, 2001, will always be a date which will live in infamy. And each September since that day, we lower the American flag to half-staff to honor the heroes who risked and lost their lives as well as to reflect on the many lessons we’ve learned from the tragedy. Patriot Day is also a time for us to remember the true spirit of America in defiance and global unity against terrorism around the world.

Labor Day in America often marks the beginning of a new school year and the end of summer. We celebrate with barbecues, parades and athletic events across the country. But how did the Labor Day holiday originate? It wasn't as easy as your day off.

2018 was the inaugural year of Carrot-Top’s Beacon® Scholarship for Rural America. Our leadership team launched the Beacon® Scholarship this year as a way to recognize and support hard-working rural students across America. This fall, we announced the first two winners of the scholarship, and now we are delighted to announce the winner of our spring 2019 award.

Smyrna isn’t a well-known Tennessee town. It doesn’t have the storied music history of Nashville and Memphis, or the railway and transportation fame of Chattanooga. But what it does have, is a lot of heart. It also has a lot of determination and a whole lot of community pride. Those characteristics were put to the test on June 2, 2016, when the town witnessed a shocking tragedy in their own backyard. That day, the Blue Angels were rehearsing for the upcoming Great Tennessee Air Show, which was to take place in Smyrna. The atmosphere was joyous—filled with excitement and anticipation to see the Blue Angels in flight. People watched from rooftops and parking lots as the Angels performed in the clouds above.

Friday, July 27, 2018, is National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day—a day to recognize the heroes who served, and the more than 36,000 American soldiers killed in action during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, displays of public patriotism will be in full effect! Whether you're flying your flag at home or at your place of business, it's important to be sure that the stars and stripes are getting the respect that they deserve. We've put together a quick reference guide of dos and don'ts for high-flying your flag properly, no matter the time of year. Download the informational guide below and save it for reference year-round! Or, share it on your social media to spread the message!