Are There Hidden Items on Top of Military Flagpoles?
The American flag holds great significance in military culture. Even more than a symbol of freedom and patriotic ideals, its mere presence is a marker of territory, a symbol of resistance, and a proclamation of victory. Alternatively, the lowering of the flag or its capture signifies mourning and defeat. And so, it’s not surprising that the flag, and even the pole on which it flies, has become the subject of military lore.
The Legend on Top of Military Flagpoles
Have you ever looked at the top of a flagpole and wondered what was inside that gold ball? Well, according to stories passed down through the military, there are very specific items hidden inside those shiny pole-top spheres.
The exact items vary, depending on the telling of the tale, but the basis for the legend is always the same: a real life scenario of capture the flag, in which the military base is overrun by enemy forces. In order to protect the sacred Starts & Stripes from falling into the wrong hands, a brave soldier must use the items hidden inside the gold ball on top of the flagpole to defend Old Glory to the death, or provide her with a proper burial.
Variations on a Common Theme
The most popular items claimed to be stored inside the gold ball are a razor blade, a match and a bullet. The razor must be used to cut down the flag from the halyard, or tear it into strips. The match is for burning the flag, the most dignified way in which to destroy it, according to the United States Flag Code Title 4, Section 8k. And the bullet is either to be used as a final attempt to defend the flag, or in assisting the soldier to end his or her own life.
Other variations include a penny for blinding the enemy or, perhaps more symbolically, to ensure the United States will never be broke. Some versions include a grain of rice or wheat to be used to give the soldier strength or rebuild food supplies in the event of a victory. For those curious about the usefulness of a bullet without a gun, some stories include details about a pistol being buried at the base of the flagpole or some 50 paces away. We’ve even heard of a needle and thread being stashed inside the finial for repairing a damaged flag in the face of triumph.
What’s Really Inside the Gold Ball?
The rather uninspiring truth is that there’s nothing hidden inside those gold balls. Well, at least not in the flagpole finials we have on our site. Commonly referred to as “trucks” in military circles, the finial is mounted to flagpoles to keep rainwater out and serve as ornamentation. Balls are the most practical choice for flagpoles, since they won’t catch and tear the flag if it blows up and over the pole, but gold eagle finials can also be used for a more traditional look.
Truth be told, we still think the legend has merit. After all, it reinforces the symbolic importance of the American flag and a soldier’s devotion to his or her duty.
But what is it called? A TRUCK perhaps. At least that’s what it was called in the ARMY. Purpose to keep rain from rotting out the flag pole.
As a 22 year U.S. Army veteran I have heard of many listed here and some I never have heard of. However, it was always comforting to me when I was standing post staff duty that there’s one last 45acp round close by.
I am retired USA SFC. I have heard this true and have never had an opportunity to consider have it denied. Also a truck is a hockey puck shaped object that is a pole finial.
4 years USMC. We called it a truck and I pray the legends are true. Atleast mine will be!
I decommissioned a few flagpoles on marine corps base and inside the pole truck is a copy of the base general orders, a match pack and a .45 caliber round.
I just found one, I have the flagpole as well , along with a painting & other items from a certain residence in the beaver ponds of the Indians when ohio hadn’t been formed yet, I believe, I found a cannon too, SE ohio looking for anyone to help me identify these items.
In the Air Force, one of the tie breaker questions I was asked when facing a junior enlisted personnel promotion board was. “How many Trucks are on an Air Force Base? Answer: 1, on top of the Base HQ flag pole.
I also heard the “What is in the truck on top of the flag pole?” question.
Answer: Razor blade, match & bullet
I did place a razor, 45ACP cartridge and matches in a ziplock in the gold ball (2 price) below my Eagle. It stands atop a 35′ pole. I’m a veteran and that flag means more than most people can comprehend. Just my 2¢
I had been told there was: 1 a map of the Post, 2 a match and 3 a 43 cal. round. You could always know where your were – MAP, you could always see the map – MATCH, you could always defend the flag – 45 CAL. ROUND. There’s a lot of funny old things we have been told.
I’d like to believe, the bullet razor blade thing is true.
Very interesting, I’d also to believe the bullet and match thing is true. I’ve heard many interesting military stories thru my years and this one is in my top 5.
I was always told in lore the ball contained a whistle to blow final colors, a match to keep the flag from falling into enemy hands and a .45 cal round.
in 1984 a flagpole was damaged by a vehicle. we opened the truk just to see.. Inside was a hand written copy of the constitution. Written by a black soldier in 1883 , unauthorized, was all that was in it.
I was told it’s called a truck and inside that is matches yarn and a needle if the flag were to fall and it’s repairable you sew it if it’s damaged bad then you burn the flag.. how true it is I was told by someone from the fire department…
as a Veteran of the 101st Airborne Division Honor Guard it is 1. needle and thread 2. match 3. bullet it is also a question asked at the E-4 promotion board for your E-5 if you can remember back that far.