There are more than 17, but in THAT picture you see 17. What I want to know is the Paul Harvey Page 2 on the flag gold fringe vs no fringe. The flags you are talking about have no fringe. The flag by the lectern has fringe. What tops the flag pole also holds significance. There is moar to this than meets the eye.
Gold Fringe — originally on the Army flags in the 1800s. Some people assert that it indicates a legislative tribunal or Admiralty law. Going back to 1933 and certain war powers/exec. orders—they claim we are still under a form of martial law or state of emergency.
That’s all I remember of various things I have read. Not saying any of it is true-I neither confirm nor deny....