I started in May 2020 by making a project for myself, sort of a Covid project. I have seen wood flags posted on various different social media sites and figured I would give creating my own a shot. I found a company that provided instruction on how to make your own and bought the materials. My first American flag came out better than I expected with that rustic look everyone loves. I posted on social media as a joke, kidding that I am taking orders. To my surprise I had a few friends interested. Then, I made them for my co-workers, friends, family of co-workers, friends of friends, family and so on and so forth. I then started honing my abilities and started doing specialty flags (military logos, fire logos, and special requests). I have made 25 flags and had 10 orders going into the new year. I have also made welcome signs and other items as well. I have always been patriotic, and making American flags just seemed to fit. The military logos are very special to me as well—my father served in World War II and my brother-in-law was in the first Gulf War. I have always supported our troops, who serve their country so that we may experience the freedoms that we have today. It means a lot to me to have family and friends who have served in the military ask me to make a flag for them. I have made several Air Force logo flags and Army flags and made a special Navy flag for my brother-in-law for Christmas. Making those flags for friends and their family members give me extra pride. Every flag I have made has a story behind it. Each is special in its own way. I also wanted to become a police officer when I was younger. I lived in Clifton, New Jersey, and had many friends that were police officers and firefighters. I had taken the police exam while living in Clifton and was fifth on the list. Unfortunately the list ran out and they weren’t hiring. I considered the firefighters exam as well because I respected the brave men and women who were
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The PFIA Protector • www.pfia1913.org
WOOD FLAGS By: Rich Chrzanowski first responders. I volunteered where I could. I had a police officer friend request a Thin Blue Line flag be made and then another firefighter friend request a Thin Red Line flag. Each flag I make is a process: picking the wood out, cutting it, burning it, and staining it. Then there’s the gluing and clamping, hand carving the flags and logos, sealing and bracing them, and then finally delivering them to the client. The end result and feedback from the people is very rewarding. It’s a labor of love for me. I make sure to find out something about the person I am making the flag for and why they want one. That’s where their stories come in, and I make sure to personally write a note on the back to each person. If it’s a first responder, active duty service member, or vet, I thank them for their sacrifice and service. The reaction from them is why I do this — the money to cover materials and my time is secondary, and are used mostly to buy better tools and items to make each flag better than the last. To make something with your hands and have people enjoy your craftsmanship is the ultimate reward.
