In Wyoming How Long Does A Flag Last? [POLL]

Winds like Wyoming gets make you ask odd questions, such as, "How long does a flag normally last?" Of course, normal is the last thing Wyoming is.

The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last about 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset. Tests have shown a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only one fourth as long as one flown during only day light hours.

Does that make you say, "Holy Cow, I thought it was longer than that!" Yes that's what I said when I saw it was just a national average, and not necessarily our state.

FlagAndBanner.com says how long a flag lasts is, “An impossible question to answer accurately. It is like predicting the weather, and the treatment people will give a flag.”

As for treatment, here are some things to not do:

… Fly the flag in the rain or snow.

… High winds combined with water puts undue strain on the flag.

… Prevent mildew by letting the flag dry thoroughly before storing it.

… Be clear of obstacles or other nearby surfaces. Trees or phone lines weaken a flag.

… Use the proper size of flag on your flagpole. One that is too large may cause the pole and flag undue stress in high winds.

… Atmosphere conditions will not only cause discoloration, but weaken the fabric.

… Remember continuous day and night display will shorten the flag’s life.

Emblem.legion.org claims, “Our flags meet or exceed the federal standard of 90 days of use – except in Wyoming. “ I’m just kidding. They do not say “except in Wyoming.” (Do you think maybe they should?)

I look out the window to see how hard the flag is flapping in downtown Cheyenne – that is if I can’t already hear the wind from inside. One day it was blowing pretty hard and the next time I was about to mention weather again, I looked up to see the flagpole rocking back and forth, but the flag was gone! To see if it had just come loose from the top, I looked on the ground. Nope, it was gone bye bye, and I imagined God knew where, probably still blowing further away. Now, my guess is that flag had already been wearing and tearing for its 60 to 90 day expectancy – or even less.