SAN ANTONIO \u2013 As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, one San Antonio company is helping the country show its pride \u2014 one flag at a time.<\/p>\n
Dixie Flag & Banner Company has been hand-making flags for nearly seven decades.<\/p>\n
Residents can spot the business from miles away on Interstate 35 because of the giant American flag flying outside. <\/p>\n
But the company does much more than sell flags.<\/p>\n
The business was founded in 1958 by World War II veteran Henry P. Van de Putte, who started sewing flags inside his family\u2019s home.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a privilege,\u201d said Vanessa Van de Putte, president and CEO of Dixie Flag. \u201cIt definitely is, to be part of not just the San Antonio story, but also the American story.\u201d<\/p>\n
Van de Putte said the company\u2019s roots are humble.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur sewing room was my dad\u2019s bedroom. He was 8 years old at the time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the family business has grown from a small house operation into a San Antonio landmark.<\/p>\n
Today, Dixie Flag employs 36 people, including 13 in production. One of those employees is Josie Sanchez, who has worked at the company for 40 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw them grow up here, all the kids, and I knew Mr. Van de Putte when he was young,\u201d Sanchez said.<\/p>\n
Despite the company\u2019s growth, much of the work is still done by hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got old Singer sewing machines, and everything is done almost more like a custom shop rather than a mass production facility,\u201d Van de Putte said.<\/p>\n
The company creates everything from sports flags and rodeo banners to Fiesta flags and American flags.<\/p>\n
Its work has reached far beyond San Antonio.<\/p>\n
Dixie Flag says U.S. flags flown during the last seven presidential inaugurations were made inside its building.<\/p>\n
The company is now preparing for one of its busiest times of year \u2014 the stretch between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.<\/p>\n
With America\u2019s 250th birthday approaching, Van de Putte said this year feels especially meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a time for us to really unite, and what better way for us unite than under a United States flag,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Read also:<\/p>\n
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