OUTER BANKS DETACHMENT NATIONAL AND MARINE CORPS COLORSThe National and Marine Corps Colors of our detachment and its accoutrements were purchased from Epic Flags LLC of Louisville, Kentucky with the personal assistance of its owner, Richard L. Barksdale. Richard and his family-operated business specialize in meeting the flag-related requirements of a wide rage of customers—from private citizens, to the United States Government, to veterans organizations such as the Marine Corps League. The National Colors
The Outer Banks Detachment's National Colors and associated accessories were donated by the Yanacek family in honor of Technical Sergeant Paul J. Yanacek, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Paul J. Yanacek passed away in August of 2006, but his legacy of faithful service to our Country and Corps, and his devotion to our national flag remains. This donation is particularly significant as Paul made it a lifelong point to fly the our nation's flag daily, and to educate his fellow citizens about its proper display. His son, Robert, tells it this way: "As long as I can remember, Dad flew the flag at our house. When I was a few years old he constructed a 30-foot flag pole at our house using lengths of threaded pipe. That flag pole was the best and largest in the neighborhood and the flag was flown daily, weather permitting. As a youngster my Dad taught me and my brother everything concerning its proper display. Under his supervision, and with some practice, my brother and I were soon able to retire the Colors each evening and fold them with Marine-like precision. As the years passed, our family flag routine continued. When Dad retired, he and my mother moved to a new neighborhood. One of the first things Dad did was install his beloved flag pole to continue the daily posting of the Colors. Over time, neighbors began installing their own flag poles, or began using ones already installed that had been dormant for years. Dad was very pleased his neighbors followed his example of flying our flag, and he took it upon himself to provide a copy of the Flag Code and to educate those lacking proper knowledge as to the correct protocol. Much to his surprise he one day received a certificate from the Mayor commending him for his efforts. During his funeral services many of his neighbors approached and told me that my Dad was responsible for inspiring them to display the flag daily, and for teaching them about its proper display." The members of Marine Corps League Outer Banks Detachment wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the Yanacek family for their generous donation. We urge every American to emulate Marines such as Paul J. Yanacek in their efforts to educate and encourage proper protocol among fellow citizens with respect to our national flag, and to always remember the sacrifices made in protecting that ensign and the very freedoms for which it stands. The Marine Corps Colors
The Marine Corps Colors serves as a visible symbol of our detachment's service and fidelity to our beloved Corps. As such, members wishing to, may donate funds to reimburse the costs associated with its purchase, for its future care and maintenance, and for additional items which may be needed. Donations received to-date are permanently recorded, in alphabetical order of the donor's name, as follows:
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Our
National Colors measures 52-inches at the hoist by
66-inches on the fly, and in the tradition of the naval
service, it is without a gold fringe.
Its nylon stripes
and union are fully sewn and its stars are embroidered
in the appliqué fashion.
The National Colors are mounted
with a felt-lined pole hem to a 9-foot oak staff, 1¼-inches in diameter.
The staff is finished with
chrome-plated metal ferrules and an 8-inch chrome-plated
metal spear finial of the Army pattern mounted at the
top of the staff.
The National Colors are adorned with an
8-foot cord and two 6-inch tassels comprised of
intertwined strands of red, white, and blue rayon fiber.
When not displayed, the National Colors are cased in an
olive drab-colored canvas cover.
Paul was a Second World War veteran who served in the
Central Pacific with Marine Bombing Squadron
Six-Thirteen.
In addition to his World War Two service,
he remained in the Organized Marine Corps Reserve and
was recalled to active duty when the Korean War broke out
in 1950.
His total service to our Country as a
United States Marine totaled 13 years.
Paul and his
wife, Rosemary, were the proud parents of two sons,
Robert and Thomas, both of who followed in their
father's footsteps, serving as Marines.
His son Robert,
is a charter-member of the Outer Banks Detachment. 
Our
detachment's Marine Corps Colors measures
52-inches at the hoist by 66-inches on the fly and is
bordered on its edges by an additional 2½-inch gold
fringe.
This fringe is prescribed by naval regulations
for Marine Corps Battle and Marine Corps Colors.
The
Marine Corps emblem and the banner displaying "United
States Marine Corps" is embroidered to the
scarlet-colored nylon backing in the appliqué fashion.
The Colors are mounted with a felt-lined pole hem to a
9-foot oak staff (pike), 1¼-inches in diameter.
The
staff is finished with chrome-plated metal ferrules and
an 8-inch chrome-plated metal spear finial of the Army
pattern mounted at the top of the staff.
The Colors are
adorned with an 8-foot cord and two 6-inch tassels
comprised of gold-colored rayon fiber.
When not
displayed, the Marine Corps Colors are cased in an olive
drab-colored canvas cover. 
