Flag trivia question :)

[glenn1]

Okay, here's an interesting trivia question for all you out there, now that patriotism and flag waving are making a big comeback here in the U.S. of A. And former military folks, please recuse yourself from answering this, 'cuz you'll have an unfair advantage in answering the question.

On every U.S. military and diplomatic installation anywhere in the world, there is one main flag displayed. While other smaller flags may be seen around the installation, the main flag is the only place on each installation where you'll see either revielle (when the flag gets raised) or retreat (lowering) ceremonies performed.

Now, on the top of every main flagpole, on every military or diplomatic installation anywhere in the world, there is a capping ornament on top of the pole, in the shape of a brass ball.

There is a specific term for that brass ball on top of the flagpole, what is it?

Extra credit: Each of those balls on top of the flagpole, on every U.S. base and embassy everywhere across the world, are hollow and contain 3 items. What are those 3 items inside that brass ball ?

 

[propellerhead]

Without doing a google search...

Wasn't it called a "truck"?

Doesn't it contain a bullet, a match and something else.

There was a deeper meaning to each item. I can't remember though.

 

[glenn1]

Right on the term, it's called a "truck." Good job.

You have two out of three on the contents.

 

[LAUST]

Razor

Edit: Good question... we need more boy scouts here cause I have no clue what they are for tho

 

[ViperMagic]

a terrorist's head

 

[glenn1]

Good show Laust and PropellerHead... i figured that would be a much more difficult question...

 

[Hakunin]

Uhh, the ball on the top is called a finial, the truck is the part that houses the pulley. The part about a razor, bullet, and match being in the ball is a myth.
Edit/ The finial is any ornament on the top of a flagpole, including a ball.

 

[propellerhead]

So what was the story behind the bullet, match and razor?

 

[Shaka]

Hmm... I think this topic was discussed before, but it's cool nonetheless.

If I remember correctly:

In the event that you are the last person alive and your building is going to be taken over you must:
1) cut the stars from the stripes with the RAZOR
2) burn everything with the MATCH
3) and then shoot yourself in the head with the BULLET

The thing about that is, what if you don't have a gun? But then again, I suppose this is military ettiquete and not for civilians w/o guns.

Even if this is a myth, I thought it was pretty cool.

 

[Hakunin]

There is another version of the myth that says a gun would be buried 6 feet from the flagpole, although that version isn't used as often.

 

[glenn1]

<< There is another version of the myth that says a gun would be buried 6 feet from the flagpole, although that version isn't used as often. >>



I haven't heard that version, but then again, i'm not going to question the knowledge of someone that comes up with the term "finial" either... you're obviously better versed on the topic than me

 

[Hakunin]

lol, I'm not that well versed on it, I was looking to buy flags online today and one of the websites mentioned that the ornament on the top of a flagpole is called a finial.

 

[mrchan]

learn something new everyday... so is shaka right with his answer?

 

[Shaka]

I have tracked down the thread in which I originally heard this bit of trivia.

Potpourri thread

It was a post by b0mberman on my 3rd page. I have my options at 50 posts/page, so it's around the 100-150 post area.