What Is a Flagpole Truck?
A flagpole truck is the ball at the tip of a flagpole. It is usually a ball but can be ornamental. It is held to the flagpole by screws.
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Flagpole
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Flagpoles are usually long metal hollow tubes made of aluminum. The truck is the cap placed on top to protect the inside of the pole from the elements; it also serves as a base for pulleys, which hoist flags up and down.
Flagpole Trucks
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Most flagpoles have a gold ball at the top that serves as an ornamented cap; sometimes eagles are used.
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An Urban Legend of Flagpole Trucks
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At military bases, the flagpole truck is said to contain a razor, a match and a service pistol. If the base were to be overrun, the last defender's duty was to take the flag down with the razor, burn the flag with the match and commit suicide with the pistol.
Myths
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There are variations of this story. These myths are likely pranks by superior officers to spark interest from new recruits.
Symbolism
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The overall message the myths convey is that the last defender has a final duty to perform. It underscores that no dishonor should befall the American flag, because it is a sacred patriotic symbol.
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