Tucked inside the historic charm of the Oradell Train Station, America The Beautiful Flags & Flagpoles is more than a retail shop. It is a place where stories of patriotism, family, and legacy come to life just in time for a milestone moment in American history.
With the nation preparing to celebrate its 250th anniversary this July, owner Christopher Macaluso reflects on the meaning behind the stars and stripes and why raising the Flag still matters today.
Q: How did America The Beautiful Flags & Flagpoles begin?
Macaluso: It really started when I was about 7 years old. I spent summers in Florida with my grandparents, Charles and Assunta, who immigrated from Sicily. My grandfather was incredibly proud to be an American. Every morning at sunrise, we would raise the American Flag together on a flagpole he built himself using plumber’s pipe, a pulley, and even a hand painted eagle on top.
After about a week, he let me take over. He taught me never to let the Flag touch the ground, and every evening at sunset, we would lower it together and fold it properly. I did not fully understand it at the time, but I felt the pride. That feeling stayed with me, and it is what inspired this business.
Q: What motivates you about helping people display the American flag?
Macaluso: It is the people. Every customer has a story. Some are joyful, some are emotional, and some are deeply personal. We have installed flagpoles for families honoring loved ones, for veterans, and for neighbors supporting someone serving overseas.
There are moments when we raise a Flag on a new flagpole for the first time, and both the customer and I get goosebumps. We always say, “We LOVE What We Do,” and we truly mean it.
Q: What does the 250th anniversary of the United States mean to you and your business?
Macaluso: This is a once in a lifetime celebration. We started seeing demand as early as January this year, which is unusual for us. Homeowners, businesses, and municipalities are all looking for ways to participate.
There is a real sense of pride and excitement. My advice is simple. If you are thinking about doing something to celebrate, do not wait. And one important note. We only sell products made in America, and they are going quickly. Be aware that many Flags sold as Made In America are NOT. Look for the FMAA tag! We are proud member of both FMAA & NIFDA which a big part of what these organizations do is make certain that an American Flag is Made In America!
Q: What can customers expect when they visit your shop?
Macaluso: Our retail shop inside the train station is like stepping back in time. It may be small, but it is packed with inventory. We carry American flags of all sizes, 250th anniversary flags, military and first responder flags, custom flags & banners, decorative bunting, and memorial cases.
If we do not have something, we will get it for you. We also offer local delivery, which makes things easier for our customers.
Q: What services do you specialize in?
Macaluso: Our primary focus in addition to helping every home nearby to fly and American Flag outside their home or business is flagpole installation, repair, and maintenance. We keep the process simple. We will come to your home or business, help you choose the right location, and walk you through options like fiberglass versus aluminum, height, and flag size.
We also offer landscape lighting through our sister company, PanaLuna Design Group, including lighting designed to highlight your home, business and of course your flagpole!
Q: Can you share a particularly meaningful experience from your work?
Macaluso: One that stands out was at a VFW hall in Paramus. A flagpole had been vandalized and cut down, with the American flag and a POW MIA flag still attached. Seeing the look of shock and disappointment from the older veterans there was heartbreaking.
We knew we had to do more than just clean it up. We donated a new flagpole. The community came together, including police and local supporters, to rebuild the space with benches, landscaping, and more.
At the dedication ceremony, the gratitude from those veterans was something I will never forget. That is what this is all about.
For More Information
America The Beautiful Flags & Flagpoles is located inside the Oradell Train Station at 400 Maple Avenue in Oradell, New Jersey. For more information, visit atbff.us, call 800-634-4901 or 201-483-9152, or email info@atbff.us. You can also follow along on Instagram at @america_the_beautiful_ff and on Facebook at America The Beautiful Flags & Flagpoles. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in American made flags, custom orders, and professional flagpole installation, repair, and maintenance throughout Bergen County and beyond.