A Small Workshop in Northeast Philadelphia is Responsible for Stitching American Military and Presidential Flags

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Hand embroiderer from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support manufacturing a flag.
Image via the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support.
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support is a 13-person team of artists and flag manufacturers.

If you ever see a presidential or vice presidential flag, know it was manufactured by a 13-person team in Philadelphia, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

A small workshop in Northeast Philadelphia known as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support “Flag Room,” is responsible for the manufacturing. 

According to flag room supervisor Adam Walstrum, the workshop likes to trace its origins back to the Schuylkill Arsenal, which was originally founded in 1799. It became known for outfitting the Lewis and Clark expeditions and was responsible for creating clothing and textiles for the military. 

That tradition remains alive today in the Flag Room.

Duwenavue Sante Johnson, who is part of the team now, calls it a dream job.

“Working with the President and the Vice President’s flags allows us to express our gratitude, our thanks, our creativity and be part of the American identity,” said Johnson. 

Together, the embroiderers represent one of the many great contributions that Philadelphia has on American history.

“History is really a living piece of our everyday life here in Philadelphia, in our neighborhoods and in the city itself. So, being that we can make the most authentic products right here in Philadelphia that serves the highest offices in the country, I think speaks volumes,” said Walstrum.

Learn more about the DLA and “Flag Room,” in 6abc.

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