Flag of the Secretary of State

Created in 1789, the Department of State is the foremost official department of the United States of America that manages all foreign interests of the government. The Secretary of State, nominated by the president of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate, personifies the United States when visiting other countries, international organizations, and any worldwide interests.

When the Secretary of State is in Washington, D.C., a rather large flag flies over the Department. This large flag is an official flag of the Secretary of State during the first term of President Ronald Reagan, circa 1980s, representing Secretaries of State Alexander Haig and George Schultz.

The flag measures 10' x 16' (120" x 192") featuring the Great Seal of the United States in full color on a white disc with a white cotton five-pointed star in each corner on a dark blue field of heavy cotton throughout. The colors are still vibrant and the seal has impressive detail on both sides. Interestingly, the heavy braided rope is still attached to the heading, but cut off at the end of the flag. There is wear at the fly end of the flag and some scuff marks along the seal showing that it was flown, but otherwise it is in remarkable condition. The flag weighs eight pounds or so and takes up an entire living room of a regular townhouse.

Having kindergarten and first graders unroll this large flag was the most fun when my son was of an age where show and tell was a big part of school. We would talk about why there was an eagle, count the stars, talk about the colors, and find out just how many things on the flag added up to thirteen (hint: berries, arrows, letters, clouds, stars and stripes). Having them roll it up again was the most fun, too.

This is truly jus' a big ol' thing!