The Blue Line American flag is  growing in popularity and is often seen at law enforcement officers funerals. It represents the “Thin Blue Line” between people of the community and criminals. The blue line, a symbol that America’s police force lives by, separating the good from the bad. The red background symbolizes their willingness to give their life for those whom they serve.

The “Thin Blue Line” is an international symbol used by Police Departments around the world to identify themselves as Officers of the Law and protectors of society. As with any profession that requires bravery & sacrifice, we honor & respect those who have gone before us in law enforcement. 

Here is what you need to know about the thin blue line flag meaning.

Blue Line Flag History

The Flag of the Thin Blue Line began when a retired Maryland State Trooper and Vietnam Veteran, Captain Bill Robinson, couldn’t find any flags made to represent law enforcement at Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. He wanted something that represented police officers but he also wanted to stand out from the crowd. So he decided to make his own flag out of blue cloth and white letters which said “Thin Blue Line”. The flag first made its appearance on October 12th, 2007 at the Harford County Law Enforcement Memorial in Bel Air, MD. It was displayed there for all attending officers and their families.

Thompson remembered seeing it flying proudly while driving by and thought it was a great idea to honor fallen officers. He decided a long time ago that whenever an officer was killed in the line of duty he would take it upon himself to organize a flag folding ceremony for that officer.

Since that time, not only has Thompson taken one step further and involved his local community in this American tradition but now thousands of flags have been donated by citizens across the country. These flags are displayed at every funeral service for officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. They can most often be seen at Police Memorial events.

The Thin Blue Line Flag is flown when an officer or members from a police agency is killed or murdered in the line of duty. It is then put away until another law enforcement officer falls. If no member within their department dies, flags will fly at half staff until an appropriate time when they can be given to the family or department of another fallen officer.

The Blue Line American flag is not exclusive to law enforcement officers and can be flown in front of all members’ homes, businesses, and schools by everyone who wants to show their support for the men and women in blue.

How are these flags made?

These flags are very unique because they are home-made with blue cloth and embroidered letters using a sewing machine. The words “Thin Blue Line” are sewed onto both sides of the flag and gold rope is used as a fringe on three of the four sides. A black ribbon is also stitched across the bottom edge for added effect. The back side has an “x” shaped piece of tape that keeps it from being unfolded. The Blue Line American flags also have a black backing so they don’t shine in the sun which would make them hard to read.

What makes this perfect for Law Enforcement officers and their families?

It’s an excellent way to show support for law enforcement officers who serve and protect us everyday. Police Officers put their lives on the line every day and are constantly having to watch their backs in fear of being attacked by those whom they’re sworn to protect. This flag is a way everyone can do something positive when hearing about a law enforcement officer fallen in the line of duty, because it will be flying high at that time showing our appreciation and respect for everything that officer did while wearing his badge!

Ceremonies

Ceremonies will be conducted by local law enforcement and Fire Department Chaplains. Ceremonies are designed to honor all fallen officers from that department and in the state of Maryland. In addition, these ceremonies serve as a time for citizens who support Law Enforcement to show their thanks and respect to these heroes

The Thin Blue Line Flag is not exclusive to Maryland; any state can participate or start a new tradition. It needs only one police officer or their family member to organize a ceremony honoring any fallen officer in the line of duty anywhere across the country. A state’s first fallen officer must always be honored with this American flag that represents courage, bravery, sacrifice and service above self – all traits shared by most peace officers nationwide!