Flags are everywhere—not just American flags and state flags, but flags of every shape, size, and color in almost every area of our lives. You may not notice them, because they are such a common sight, but if one day they were suddenly not there ... you would most assuredly miss them.

Consider these 10 areas where flags exist, but which you may not even think about:

Streets

Next time you take a drive down your local street, take a look at the street lights and various other posts that line the drive. In most areas of the country, there are many colorful flags and banners announcing everything from sales to celebrations. Others proudly declare historic routes or attractions. One thing is certain: If the flags were to suddenly go missing, the streets would be a lot less colorful. If you want to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to have your message seen, street banners from AmericanFlags.com come with banner arm mounting sets and full customization. 

Residences

As you drive through the neighborhood, look at the yards and planter boxes that you pass by. Chances are, there are flags and banners in many of them. From the American flag to POW banners, from political slogans and sports teams, to banners representing colleges and fraternities, people love to celebrate their past and remember the good times. Flags help them do just that.

Golf

Next time you are on the golf course, just think about what the next hole would look like without a flag blowing in the distance. Not only does the flag show the pin position, but it lets you know how to adjust your shot for the wind. Golf flags from AmericanFlags.com are printed on high-quality 200 denier nylon to stand up to the elements. Whether they sport a simple number or an advertisement for the 19th hole, the absence of these flags would most certainly be noticed.

Clubs

Whether you are giving a presentation, overseeing an awards banquet, or simply holding a regular meeting, service clubs and organizations need flags. Not only are American flags an important part of almost every club meeting, but most also have their own flags and banners proudly displayed on the walls, head tables, podiums, and on flag stands. Look around at the next meeting you go to and imagine what the rotunda would look like without any of the flags and banners.

Races

From the starting flag to the checkered flag at the end, and any number of caution flags in between, a race just wouldn't be a race without flags and pennants. In addition to the flags used by the officials, many cars fly flags as well. From the pace car to the winner doing donuts in the winner's circle, flags are an important part of the race experience.

Cars

You don't have to be in a race to display a flag. Car flags are a great way to show your patriotisms or allegiance to a team or organization. Made out of high quality, weather resistant material, customized car flags are attached to window brackets and flown above the car so they don't distract the driver. Next time there is a national holiday or a big game, look around town and see the number of your fellow citizens that are flying car flags. Now, think about how cool it would be to have your logo or information on one, or several thousand, of them.

Street decoration

On every major holiday your city likely dresses up their streets, drives, and boulevards with custom banners and flags. You might drive right on by without noticing them, but if one day they were not there you would wonder what was missing. Next time you drive through the center of town, take a look at all of the flags, banners, and pennants that you see. You just might be amazed.

Cemeteries

One of the great ways to pay your respects to those who have served our country is to place an American flag at their gravesite. If you have not been doing so, rest assured, you will not be alone when you show up to the cemetery. Millions of American flags fly freely at sites around the country on every major patriotic holiday. Others grave markers are never without one.

Beaches

Each color has a meaning. From dangerous riptides to jellyfish warnings, closed beaches, and the safe "all clear," flags are an important part of beach life. When a diver heads out from the beach, they take flags to mark their dive spot, and fishermen use flags and buoys to mark their set lines and traps.

Sports

From on-field flags during matches to massive hanging pennants proudly proclaiming the championships won, there is a long and meaningful relationship between sports and flags. After all, it is sports that gives us the term "pennant race." We often look right past all of the colorful flags and banners, but next time you are at a game or match, just imagine what it would look like if they were all gone.

These are just a few of the many places flags are seen in our everyday life. There are so many more, from the nautical world to politics, hotels, and the military. Did you ever wonder where all of these flags come from? If you are in need of a flag or flags, get yours from the same place many of the organizations listed above get theirs: AmericanFlags.com.