What Is in the Ball Atop a U.S. Flag Pole?
High up on a flag pole is a decorative topper, called a finial. Legends abound about finials being used to store emergency supplies for use in the event of invasion by a foreign power. The truth, however, is much more mundane.
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Urban Legends
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Urban legends claim the ball atop flag poles contains such things as razors, lighters and flares to destroy the flag and thus prevent foreign invaders from desecrating a national symbol. Another claim is that it contains a knife, a pistol and a single bullet as emergency armaments against invaders.
Reality
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There actually isn't anything inside a finial. Because the finial serves as decoration rather than as a secret container, they are solid all the way through.
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Mistaken Identity
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The ball-shaped finial is often erroneously called the "truck." The truck is actually the mechanism that connects the finial to the pole.
Finial Variations
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While many finials are ball shaped, they may take many forms. Flag poles at government buildings in the United States are just as often topped with a metallic bald eagle.
Why a Ball?
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A ball is often used on outdoor flag poles because the round shape prevents tangling with the flag or halyard in high winds.
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References
- Photo Credit usa flag image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Believe it or not, that was an actual question on every promotion board I ever attended. Question: How many trucks are there on a military post? Answer: One, located on top of the flagpole at Post Headquarters. What does the ball on the truck contain? Answer: A razor blade to shred the flag with, a book of matches used to burn the flag, and a.45 cal. round for yourself to avoid being taken prisoner.
