Although the hoopla and fanfare normally associated with the travels of dignitaries might by itself be sufficent notice of thier comgings and goings the traditioin of the displaying of standards dates back to Medieval times. Indeed, warriors entering battle were preceeded by thier "colors." When Queen Victoria traveled in her elegant coach the Royal flags were properly mounted. And so it is that American Presidents travel by automobile. The Presidential vehicle is easily identified by virtue of its sporting the appropriate banners...
The American flag and Presidential flag. These items used thoughout Kennedy's administration on all motorcads, and flew from the covertible limousine carrying President John F. Kennedy through the streets of Dallas when he was assassinated on November 22, 1963. The flags remained on the limo until November 25, 1963, the date of Kennedy's burial, when they were removed and replaced by new ones. Etiquette requires that two flags be flown on any vehicle the President is riding in and that the flags be of "approximately equal size" with the American flag on the right front fender; the American flag is slightly larger than the Presidential flag.
The standard American flag is made of rayon and has gold fringe and a label sewn in the inside seam which reads, "Flag National U.S.A. Rayon w-Fringe 1'6" x 2'2" Job 5742 DTD.8-27-59 P.Q.M.D., MFG, DIV." along with handwritten initials "AM."
The blue Presidential flag is also rayon and is embroidered with the Presidential Seal and has alternating gold and silver fringe. The label in the inside seam reads, "joh 5872 flag distg ryn 1'6" x 2'2" President of the United States Phila, Quartermaster" along with handwritten initials "FF."
Both flags have three leather fasteners on the inside. Also included are Evelyn Lincoln's letters authenticating the flags and indicating that the President's driver, Special Agent Bill Greer, gave the flags to Mrs. Lincoln when they were removed from the car for the last time. Good condition, slight grease stains from the limo on the bottom fringe of Presidential flag. American 19 x 28, Presidential flag 20 x 28 1/2