What's in a military flag pole Truck?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What's in a military flag pole Truck?

Posted: 11/25/2003 9:25:29 AM EDT

I'm talking about the flagpole kind. Back in my days of military service, I was informed that there was matches, a bullet (.38)and maybe other items contained there.

My question is, if that is true, how would someone get up there to detach the truck and gain access to its contents.

I'm thinking this is a myth but I'd like to hear it from more seasoned vets.

Posted: 11/25/2003 9:51:29 AM EDT

[#1]

The only "Truck" that I know about is my Ford and it's got a 300c.i.d. straight 6 cyl. in it. Don't have a foggy fuckin' clue as to what you're talkin' about. If someone does know PLEASE tell us or I'll be up all night tryin' to figure out what the heck this "thing" is.

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:00:43 AM EDT

[#2]

I remember the same as you but have no idea what the third item is. It dates back to the AM Rev., I dont think that it is still adhered to but... you never know. The military and tradition.

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:02:59 AM EDT

[#3]

I don't have a flagpole on my truck.

Flag stickers are much simpler.

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:04:48 AM EDT

[#4]

This is about the brass ball on top of a flagpole, some call it a finial.

Matches...bullet...maybe a compass, razor blade and/or something else.

This is all from memory so excuze my ignorance if I got it wrong.

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:07:58 AM EDT

[#5]

So why don't ya' look it up on google. Now that I know what you're talking about I'm going to do a google search and see what I can find out. I've always called it a "ball on top of a flag poll" but then, that's just me,LOL. I'll see what I can find out for ya'.

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:09:31 AM EDT

[#6]

My statement still stands. [:)]

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:23:24 AM EDT

[#7]

[url=http://www.snopes.com/military/flagball.htm]Another Urban Myth[/url]

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:25:02 AM EDT

[#8]

http://www.snopes.com/military/flagball.htm
Think I was beat too it but here it is anyway. LOL.
Damn, CavVet, your good, very good.

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:31:35 AM EDT

[#9]

Something that isn't an urban myth is that US Navy ships are built with coins put under thier masts. This tradition dates back centuries making sure that if a crew went down with their ships they had money to pay their toll to cross the river Styx.

Posted: 11/25/2003 10:36:48 AM EDT

[#10]

Eureka!

Thanks for the link, it seemed a bit nutty to me as well.

I didn't know about the Navy deal at all, are there any other obscure military traditions worth mentioning?

Whoda thunk?

Posted: 11/25/2003 12:37:23 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
I didn't know about the Navy deal at all, are there any other obscure military traditions worth mentioning?

View Quote

I believe that coin under the mast is a urban myth as well. just like what is in the truck on the flag pole.

here's one.....the guard that is escorting a prisoner after sentencing, if the prisoner escapes, the guard has to do his sentence.

then there is the one about if your a only child, you are exempted from going into war.

Posted: 11/25/2003 12:40:23 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
I believe that coin under the mast is a urban myth as well.

View Quote

The origin of the practice may be suspect, but it is alive and well. An old neighbor of mine bedded a silver dollar at the base of the mast of his sailboat when he rebuilt it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What's in a military flag pole Truck?

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