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A flag is a piece of
coloured cloth flown from a pole or mast, usually
for purposes of signalling or identification. Flags
were initially created for signalling, such as
semaphore, and for the identification of those who
displayed them, and are still used for that purpose
today. Flags are also used in messaging or
advertising, or for decorative purposes, though at
this less formal end the distinction between a flag
and a simple cloth banner is blurred. Generally, a
piece of cloth is a flag if it is flown like a flag,
with one side attached, though many flags are
recognizable if displayed in other forms.
The study of flags is known as vexillology, from the
Latin vexillum meaning flag or banner.
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American
Flags
