Folding the American Flag

The American Flag may be folded for a number of reasons. Since the Flag Code specifies that the flag should not be carried flat, folding the flag may be necessary for transportation, storage or display. The flag is also folded by members of the Armed Forces after it is lifted from a casket at a military funeral, it is then given to the family.

The Flag Code does not specify how the flag should be folded, but a standard flag will require thirteen folds. To specify there should be two lengthwise folds and eleven triangular folds.

What Is the Meaning of a Folded Flag?

Folding the flag in this manner has gained a lot popularity, however there is not one symbolic meaning associated with the folds in the American Flag. Through the years, the public has attributed meaning to each fold. Most of these meanings are religious, and all of them reflect the ideals of this country. Keeping the flag folded in its uniform 13 folds and triangle shape is its meaningful presentation when not being flown on a flagpole, this shows respect to the flag, the troops, and America.

How to Properly Fold an American Flag Into a Triangle?

Fold Flag Into 13 Folds

Step 1: Facing each other two people should hold the flag horizontally at both ends.

Step 2: Make your first fold lengthwise, bringing the stripes over the union area of the flag. *The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

Step 3: Match up the corners, keeping the flag taut.

Step 4: Make another lengthwise fold, match up the corners and keep the flag taut.

Note: The second fold of the flag is a symbol of a belief in eternal life.

Step 5: Keeping the flag taut at both ends, fold a triangle from fold to edge. Keep folding triangles, making sure you keep a 90 °angle and your folds are smooth. The third fold is a symbol of honor and remembrance of veterans. The fourth fold is a symbol of weakness. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. The sixth fold is where our hearts lie. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces.

Step 6: Continue folding triangles in the same manner. *The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, so that we may see the light.

Step 7: Continue folding triangles onto the union of the flag. *The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood *The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers *The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David & King Solomon, glorifying the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. *The twelfth fold represents the emblem of eternity and glorifies the God of the Father, the Son & Holy Ghost.

Step 8: Fold the last triangle and tuck the ends in.

The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost and remind us of our national motto, "In God we Trust." The flag will resemble a cocked hat, representing soldiers, Marines & Sailors of the past & present.

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