About Us
Serving customers with every fiber of our being since 1951.
…including the Pope! That’s right. We’re honored to have sold flags to the National Shrine for Pope Francis' visit to Washington, DC in 2015.
From the Pope, our military & veterans, Federal, state, local government entities, small and large businesses and organizations, to your average homeowner, we are here to help make all your flag and flag-flying dreams come true.
Today, you can shop standard & custom flags, poles & ornaments, flag accessories, & more through our online shop!
Our Beginnings
In 1951, Louis R. Kengla opened the first and only brick and mortar flag shop in Washington, DC, and it remained the sole flag storefront for 70 years. Our shop was founded with one goal: to sell the highest quality flags and indoor and outdoor flag accessories. Generations later, that remains unchanged.
With us, history really does repeat itself—in a good way, of course! As does our commitment to increasing our understanding of one another through flags.
Since our founding, Kengla flags have flown for many reasons, but our commitment to working with the makers of the highest quality flags and accessories has never waivered. While we work to leverage modern technological convenience & advances, we will forever keep the mom and pop philosophy at Kengla. We are honored with how far we’ve come and look forward to where we’ll go together.
Woman-owned. Family operated to this day.
Louis R. Kengla retired in 1971. From there, his son, Robert, took over. He hired his father’s business partner's daughter, Judi Oed Sobotka, and the two led the company until 2015 when it was sold to the next generation.
Brian and Brittany Sobotka now own Kengla Flag Co. and proudly run it with their sons Jackson, Brock, and Lucas. They’re fortunate to do so with the guidance and knowledge of their predecessors. The Kengla mission is truly woven into our DNA, and we continue to raise flags and standards every day.
Kengla Flag Co. is now 100% Online
We’re strong believers that when one door closes, another opens. That’s why we shuttered our physical location in 2022 to allow us to expand our offerings in our online store. Now, you can shop dozens of custom flags, military flags, flag pole accessories and quality American-made flags that speak to your passions, pride, and beliefs.
What We Do
- We sell American-Made flags, military flags, world flags, custom flags, flag poles, brackets, and so much more
- We only work with the makers of the highest quality products
- We help customers design and create custom flags and banners
- We do flagpole repairs!
Questions? We're happy to help. Get in touch!
Kengla's History Through Flags
1951: Kengla Flag Co. opened the first and only brick and mortar flag shop in Washington, DC, flying its very first open sign.
1961: We moved into 4708 Wisconsin Avenue, NW building in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
1963: Flags flew at half staff for 30 days following the JKF assassination on November 22.
1969: Thefirst flag was planted on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. It was an Annin flag that was planted, and we sell the same style of flag today.
1969: We procured 8 small "National Aeronautics and Space Council" flags for the Apollo 12 mission on November 14, 1969.
1971: Judi joined the Kengla team.
1978: The Pride Flag was commissioned by Harvey Milk. Artist, Gilbert Baker created the iconic rainbow flag to represent sex, life, healing, sunlight, nature, art, harmony, and spirit.
1989: Fall of the Berlin wall. A lot of flags were on the precipice of change.
1991: The Soviet Union fell ushering in the rise of new sovereignties and flags!
2001: The iconic photo of Raising the flag at Ground Zero was taken. An American flag brought rescue workers together on the morning of September 12, 2001. On this day, the line was out the door and down the sidewalk to buy flags at Kengla. We completely sold out of American flags. It’s a level of Patriotism that we’re honored to have experienced in our lifetime.
2012: Kengla Flag Co. moved the shop to Suite 100 on the main level. We were excited for the new view.
2015: Brian and Brittany purchased Kengla Flag Co. and took over ownership with their three boys.
2015: Later that year, Kengla provided flags to the National Shrine for Pope Francis’ visit to D.C.
2015: The Charleston, SC church massacre ushered in change and recognition of racial injustice with flags. Kengla officially discontinued the sale of Confederate flags and will not sell them again.
2016: This election year brought a fever in the country we had never seen before. We sold flags for Hillary Clinton & Bernie Sanders rallies.
2018: President George H.W. Bush passed away. We were honored to provide flags and bunting for the NBC 4 news coverage including Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie & other anchors and guests.
2020: COVID-19 forced most of our business online as we all started flying quarantine flags.
2021: Kengla celebrated 70 years in business and as the only brick and mortar flag store in D.C.
2022: Kengla closed its brick and mortar store and moved 100% online.