Anzac Day Flag and Flag Pole Protocol

Unlike the controversial history of Australia Day, Anzac Day is a unifying national story akin to America’s Independence Day and has become the country’s most important national occasion. As such, its commemoration is deeply sacred and a rare time when protocols are strictly adhered to.  

Australian National Flag

As the foremost national symbol, the Australian national flag is an expression of Australian identity and pride. It is integral to our national observances with protocols outlining its appropriate use. On Anzac Day the flag is traditionally flown at half-mast from dawn until midday to mourn the loss of our fallen soldiers not only at the landing of Gallipoli, but across all military and peace-keeping activity.  

Protocols

In the morning the flag is raised to the masthead then immediately lowered to half-mast. On the first note of the Reveille (also called the Rouse), the flag is raised smartly to the masthead where it remains until the conclusion of the ceremony. After the ceremony it is returned to the half-mast position until noon when it is raised again.

Recognition

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers left a powerful legacy and enduring legend that shaped the identity of both nations. These diggers and the many others who have faithfully served our country deserve recognition and remembrance, and the small act of the Australian national flag appropriately flown at half-mast in their honour.

Lest we forget.

Reflections on Anzac Day from PILA flag poles

The uniformed officer, head bowed, before the half-masted flag pole as the sun's bright rays begin to creep across the horizon - the picture of the Dawn Service - is a powerful representation of Anzac Day. Within its imagery are the symbols of a century old story - the young anonymous soldier, so resplendent in his uniform, bowing in memory of lost comrades, of shadows, of heroes; the blush of dawn in remembrance of that fateful morning's beach landing as the sun rose in a foreign and unknown land; and the flag they fought and died under, the flag of the nation they served, the flag of the nation whose freedom endures thanks to their sacrifice.

As the centenary of Anzac Day approaches we are all summoned to consider its significance and symbolism. It is not a glorification of war, but a tribute to those who served. It is a day in the history books, but moreso a spirit which forged our national identity of courage, humour and mateship. In the face of adversity the Australian spirit triumphed.

As we come to this great national day let us remember and reflect. Let us pay tribute - the early morning gathering, the flag lowered to half-mast, the minute's silence. As the Last Post plays mournfully, let our spirits reawaken and join across the nation in unity - we are Australians, this is our history, woven through the fabric of time and distance and the many different faces that make our nation. Let us strive to be worthy of those we honour. Lest we forget.

PILA Flag Pole Survives Cyclone Marcia - Case Study

In 2011, Jeremy of Rockhampton, Qld, purchased a flag pole for his rural property from PILA flag poles. In 2015, a Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone named Marcia, tore through Rockhampton, including Jeremy's property. While Marcia left devastation in her wake, PILA's flag pole held firm with no evidence to tell of its ordeal.

Background

When Jeremy finished building his rural property, he felt the block was lacking a final feature, like icing on a cake. Due to the open space, the clear choice was to finish the construction with a flag pole.

Solution

After a Google search for flag poles and considering all the options, Jeremy says that "PILA flag poles were the only ones that were clearly strong and durable for an outdoor area like a residence. Combined with the good price and shipping options, PILA was the clear choice".

Jeremy also liked the pearl white finish rather than the metal look of cheaper flag poles, and the internal halyard so that the rope is securely enclosed within the pole.

Result

This feature on his property has become a talking point - even before the cyclone - and the best way to help visitors locate the property - "it's the one with the flag pole" he says.

As a seasoned flag pole owner, Jeremy knew to remove his flag from the pole with the threat of inclement weather. As the eye of the cyclone bore down on his property, Jeremy claims his flag pole barely moved. “The design of the pole meant that the force was absorbed along the pole resulting in vibrations, but no swaying, bending or breaking. We are fortunate not to have suffered any damage to our property in general.”

For the safest flag pole for your home or business, choose PILA.

3 Reasons Why We Don't Make Yardarm Flag Poles

Traditionally a yardarm is a horizontal pole mounted on the mast of a ship from which the square sails are hung, and has lent its name to the nautical style of flag pole most people would recognise from seaports or yacht clubs. A yardarm flag pole might also be referred to as a crossarm flag pole or a windjammer flag pole.

While we do not dispute that there is still a place for the yardarm flag pole in today's market, at PILA flag poles we have phased out this product for several reasons you may wish to consider before purchasing one:

1. Noise

Yardarm flag poles are the most noisy of all flag pole styles. With gaffs and multiple flags or pennants flying there is a lot going on with a yardarm, and many elements that will knock against the flag pole, creating that distinctive clanging sound synonymous with the seaside.

2. Protocol

While the Australian government offers protocols for the use of yardarm flag poles, they are complicated and must accommodate international tradition for the positioning of the national flag, which may position the Australian national flag lower than others, unlike a standard flag pole where its prominence is clear.

3. Safety

In nautical use, this style was designed to harness the power of the wind, however too much wind power can be hazardous for a flag pole. Even with stringent engineering to meet high wind ratings, loading a flag pole with multiple flags and pennants from yardarms and gaffs increases the risk of failure.

We pride ourselves on manufacturing only the safest flag poles for pride, patriotism or promotion, and firmly believe that the risks involved with a yardarm flag pole do not comply with our philosophy. If you are considering purchasing a yardarm flag pole you must ensure the pole is designed and engineered to take the added stress of multiple flags and multiple additional structural components. If you would prefer to avoid the potential issues a yardarm flag pole may present, we recommend you purchase multiple poles consistent with the number of flags you require to fly.

Flag Pole Protocol - Flying the Australian National Flag with Flags of Other Nations

The Australian Government provides protocols to assist you when flying the Australian National Flag. Given the array of circumstances under which the Flag may be flown, there are many protocols that are unique to certain situations. To help you understand the particular protocols specific to flying the Australian National Flag with flags of other nations, PILA has compiled them into a single, easy to read source.

Protocols

1. All the flags should be (if possible)

• the same size
• flown on flag poles of uniform height
• flown at the same position (for instance, half-masting)

2. Unless all flags are raised and lowered simultaneously, the Australian National Flag should be raised first and lowered last

3. According to international practice, no national flag should fly above another in peacetime

4. The flags of other nations should follow the Australian National Flag in alphabetical order starting from the far left

5. The Australian Government policy is to only fly the official flags of nations recognised by Australia

6. The Australian National Flag takes precedence when it is flown in Australia or Australian territory

7. After the Australian National Flag, flags of other nations take precedence over all other flags

Scenarios

Two Flag Poles

The Australian National Flag should be on the left of a person facing the building or memorial

Odd Number of Flag Poles

The Australian National Flag should be in the centre

Even Number of Flag Poles in a Straight Line / One Australian Flag

The Australian National Flag should be on the far left of a person facing the building or memorial

Even Number of Flag Poles in a Straight Line / Two Australian Flags

The Australian National Flag should be flown at each end of the line

Semi-Circle of Flag Poles

The Australian National Flag should be in the centre

Enclosed Circle of Flag Poles

The Australian National Flag should be flown from the flag pole immediately opposite the main entrance to the building or arena or memorial

Protocols are established to help you fly flags appropriately. PILA was established to provide you with the safest poles to fly flags appropriately.

Source: It's an Honour - Australian Government

The Best Banners for Your Commercial Flag Pole

Flag poles are a structural item, engineered to perform their job as flag or banner bearers, or at least that's what you would assume. However there are 2 problems with this assumption: first, many cheaply made products are often not properly designed and tested for wind loading, particularly under Australian conditions; and secondly, even quality flag poles are not designed to fly just any old flag or banner or whatever you want to attach to it.

Most people aren't aware of the extraordinary power of the wind until something hazardous occurs. We've heard numerous tales of flag poles being damaged and even coming down because they were fitted with inappropriate banners that acted as sails when the wind picked up and weren't able to sustain the pressure.

What Not To Wear

Imagine wearing a heavy vinyl sack and you'll start to understand why hanging a vinyl banner from your flag pole isn't appropriate! Not only is it unattractive and weighty, but it's also unable to wave with the wind to expel energy. Instead this heavy fabric acts like a wall and the wind has no recourse but to push it and the pole it's on until they give. Heavy banners that are made from two or more layers of fabric sewn together, ie. double-sided, operate the same way and are equally unsuitable.

What to Wear

Conversely, like a light shirt on a breezy day, a single layer mirror-image printed polyester flag or banner is the perfect fit for a flag pole. Being lightweight it can move with the wind, giving that beautiful flapping movement that makes flags and banners so attractive and draws the eye to see what is printed on the banner.

The Exception

You will have seen large vinyl banners strung between the flag poles at McDonalds restaurants across Australia, and having read the above may be wondering about this practice. On an ordinary flag pole this would be disastrous, however PILA has customised flag poles specifically manufactured for McDonalds that are engineered to withstand the added strain. If you're in a high wind region of Australia or need a flag pole and additional banner combination like McDonalds, PILA can customise a solution for you.

The best practice for caring for your flag pole is to choose a lightweight polyester fabric flag or banner which will look good, fly smoothly and expel the energy of the wind. 

Find out more from PILA - 13 PILA (13 7452) or info@pilaflagpoles.com.au 

2015 Landscaping and Outdoor Trends See Flag Poles Set to Soar

As outdoor and garden trend reports for 2015 demonstrate a continuing passion for outdoor living, outdoor accessories are booming in popularity. The concept is hardly new in Australia where many people merge the comfort of indoors with the freedom of the outdoors, yet its expression may vary greatly.

Outdoor Decor

As the size of new homes looks to be scaling back from the McMansions of a decade ago, consumers are investing more in outdoor products to enhance their property. An inexpensive and easy way to accentuate your outdoor area is with a stylish flag pole. Go for the traditional look with a single flag pole flying the Australian national flag, or experiment with a flag banner pole trio and keep on trend with self-designed and colourful banners gracing your garden.

Value Add

Adding a few elements to your property can transform an ordinary house into a dream home, and incidentally boost the sale price if you're in the market. Installing a flag pole instantly provides an attractive focal point and feature. When entertaining it makes a unique talking point and can act as a landmark for locating your property.

Portable Decor

Portability is another growing trend for outdoor decor with fewer people setting down roots in one location. For those seeking outdoor decor that can move with them, a flag pole with a removable ground sleeve or hinge base allows you to take it with you when you go.

Garden Feature

Gone are the days of boring backyards whose only feature is the Hills Hoist. Modern landscaping doesn't have to be complicated to be beautiful. Couple your flag pole with a water feature, or create a 'Remembrance Garden' with a bench and plaque commemorating lost loved ones. Place a flag pole within a rock garden or flower bed to enhance both. Remember to position your flag pole away from trees or powerlines for safety.

Add style and elegance to your home with a feature that will never go out of fashion. A flag pole or group of flag poles is the best way to stay on trend in 2015.