Ceremonial symbols are one of the most honorable tributes for the heroes serving the country, may it be a military official, first responder, or marshal. Here, the Glendale Parade Store stands at the forefront of protecting one of the most recognizable emblems of national pride - the various American flags, swords, sabers, and other ceremonial items. For over seven decades now, Glendale has cemented its reputation by ensuring that the flags it sells meet the highest standards, symbolizing the values and principles that define the United States.
As part of the National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA) and the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA), Glendale is deeply committed to preserving the integrity of American flags. These affiliations guarantee that every flag they sell is crafted in the United States, ensuring compliance with the strict regulations set by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry. For those purchasing flags for official use, this distinction is quintessential - any official flag will bear the FMAA and manufacturer logos stitched into the hem, signaling that the flag has truly passed the rigorous quality checks and adheres to American standards.
However, Glendale's owner, Captain Jose Alejandro Barreto Martinez, has noticed a worrying trend: low-quality symbols bought from non-American manufacturers. Lower-priced flags bought from third-party sellers generally bypass the above regulatory systems and have minor flaws that are invisible to the naked eye. "We're erasing with our sleeve what we're writing with our hand to save just a few dollars. If the Air Force blue color starts changing, there's no uniformity in the force," says the Glendale owner.
The importance of maintaining uniformity and standardization in American symbols cannot be overstated. When flags are manufactured outside the U.S. without proper oversight, the result is often incorrect colors, off-kilter emblems, or poorly stitched designs that erode the flag's symbolic power. These knockoff flags, often sourced from foreign manufacturers, might look passable from a distance, but they lack the quality, precision, and reverence embodied in official flags. As Jose points out, "If we all start using things that don't pass through the Department of Heraldry, what ends up happening is we all lose our true symbolism."
The rise of mass-produced, substandard flags - often sold on e-commerce platforms - poses a serious threat to the integrity of these symbols. When Americans unknowingly purchase knockoff flags, they inadvertently contribute to the erosion of national pride and cohesion. That is why it is important to understand that the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry is pivotal in ensuring that every flag, banner, and symbol used in official capacities meets exacting standards, from the dimensions of the flag to the precise hue of its colors. Without adherence to these standards, the symbols that generations of Americans have fought to protect lose their meaning.
For this company, its mission extends far beyond 'commerce.' Jose underscores the emotional weight of presenting them with a high-quality, standardized flag to honor their service, stating, "For instance, once these U.S. heroes retire or leave the service, these honorary symbols, such as the flag, swords, or sabers are a portrayal of their lifetime's work towards their country."
Glendale takes great pride in delivering flags used in some of the most solemn moments in American life, including the funerals of military personnel and first responders. Jose stresses on the importance of authentic American-made flags, stating, "If a first responder or military personnel is laid to rest with a poorly made, substandard flag, it tarnishes the very sacrifice they made for their country; and the question becomes, what does that service truly represent?"
Beyond flags, Glendale is known for providing the official ceremonial swords and sabers, M1000 replica rifles, and various drill team equipment to police officers, firefighters, veterans, and cadets. Each product is made to the highest standards, ensuring that every flag hoisted, every banner waved, and every veteran honored does so under a symbol that reflects the true essence of the United States.
