Here's a Stars and Stripes shocker.
There's a rule that governs what the Pentagon can purchase and where these things must originate, a rule that didn't cover American flags — until now.
As of Friday, flags bought by the Defense Department must be 100 percent American-made.
The new policy says that American flags, “including the materials and components thereof” — such as ink and fabric — have to be made in the United States.
Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., who is running for a ninth term in Congress, said that he pushed for the change because he thought it is just common sense.
“American flags are something we can all agree on should be made in America,” he said. “I don't think it's right that our military service men and women should be fighting under flags made in foreign countries.”
The change was part of the $1.1 trillion omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama last month.
