Folding The American Flag
Correct
Method of Folding The United States Flag
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(A)
Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the
blue field. |
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(B)
From the folded edge then fold again over to meet
the open edge. |
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(C)
Then starting from the striped end, a triangular fold
is started by bringing the striped corner of the folded
edge to the open edge. |
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(D)
Outer point is then turned inward parellel with the
open edge to form a second triangle. |
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(E)
Continue this pattern until the entire length of the
flag is folded in the triangular shape of a cocked
hat with only the blue field visible (F). |
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"WHY
THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES"
Have you ever wondered why the Flag of the United States
of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when
it is folded and handed to the next of kin at the burial
of a veteran?
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means:
The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans
departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for
the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the
world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American
citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times of peace
as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words
of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other
countries may she always be right; but it is still our country,
right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our
heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United
States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it
is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country
and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found
within or without the boundaries of our Republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into
the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the
light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on
Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been
through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that
the character of the men and women who have made this country
great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too,
has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our
country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents
the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon,
and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents
an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God
the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The thirteenth fold: When the Flag is completely folded,
the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto,
"In God We Trust." After the Flag is completely folded and
tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever
reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George
Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under
Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades
and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States,
preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we
enjoy today.
The next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that
has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in
our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department,
keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every
movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all
of us by honoring our Flag and our Country.
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