“Kinda Proud of that Ragged Old Flag”

{From the 2023 Christmas Newsprint Magazine}
Written by Megin Potter  |  Photos provided

Patriotism beyond the 1974 Johnny Cash song…Flags for Patriots - Made by Veterans.

Eye-catching handcrafted Veteran Made Woodworks flags honor the pride of public service and respect for the red, white, and blue, with an ingrained precision crafted by warriors.  

Paying homage to those who have, and continue to serve, as well as those who haven’t come home, these are flags to be bragged about.

Across the board, stacks of individually cut pieces of ½” Georgia Pine plywood are sanded, stained, painted, torched, and distressed at a lean manufacturing production speed that allows the team to churn out dozens of completed flags each hour. 

Veteran Made Woodworks was founded in 2015 by a team of Marine Corps combat veterans, Active Army Soldiers, and local police officers. In 2020, they expanded to a second building on North Pole Road in Melrose. 

“North Pole Road very much lives up to its name. People go bonkers for Christmas around here,” said Active-Duty Army Sergeant First Class Anthony Guadagnino. 

“He Spoke Not a Word, But Went Straight to His Work”

To date, Veteran Made Woodworks has provided 5,000+ flags (to every state in the country!) which is now even easier to do with their recent shift to shipping with UPS (and they offer FREE shipping!).  “We do the work up front so you can receive a handmade piece - that looks great - in a matter of of days and that speaks volumes,” said Guadagnino.

A refined classic, these flags are constructed with strips of wood bearing the colors of our heritage in a variety of different ways. Achieving union to create a solid piece is accomplished with precise nailing to a sturdy frame and applying five coats of high-gloss polyurethane sealant to create a shine that lasts a lifetime. 

Veteran Made Woodworks flags are weather resistant and available in approximately 50 different variations. On Old Glory, a ring of white stars in a field of blue graces the 1776 Betsy Ross style flag, while the “Assaulting” Tactical flags design reflects the reverse flags those in service display on the shoulder of their uniforms as a symbol representing the courage to constantly advance in battle (NEVER RETREAT). 

With a selection of Thin Line flags (honoring the service and sacrifice of the police, firefighters, nurses, dispatch, and corrections officers), as well as Challenge Coin Holders, and Freedom Flags, they have something for everyone wanting to display a love of country.

“We make a high-quality product that is still affordable for everybody. Everybody should have the flag displayed in their house. American flags are for everybody,” said Guadagnino.

• Veteran Made Woodworks flags, approximately 3’ x 1.5’, begin at $150/each. Order now until December 15th to enjoy 20% off and receive your flags by Christmas Day. Local pickup available until Christmas Eve. For more information, follow
@VeteranMadeNY on Facebook, Instagram and go to veteranmadeny.com