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Original article from www.NationalFlagFoundation.org

If you’ve ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the U.S. flag that once draped the casket. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times to complete the ceremony. Much like every other aspect of our nation’s greatest symbol, each of the 13 folds holds significance.

Flag etiquette dictates that every time an American flag is to be stored or presented during a ceremony, its handlers should fold it in half twice lengthwise; then starting with the end opposite the blue field, make a taut triangular fold. Handlers continue to fold the flag in triangles until the flag has formed a triangular “pillow” with the blue field showing on the outside. It’s a dignified way to treat the flag, and gives a powerful touch to patriotic ceremonies.

This 13-fold procedure was common long before the more modern assigned meanings. The source and date of origin of the meanings is unknown, but for those who participate or witness a formal flag folding ceremony, the 13 meanings can create an uplifting experience.

This is what the 13 folds mean:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgement 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.”
6. 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.
7. 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 enemies.
8. 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 our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
11. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, 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.
12. The 12th 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 Ghost.
13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Holidays to Display Flag
June – August 2023

• Flag Day – June 14
• U.S. Army Founded – June 14, 1775
• Father’s Day – June 18
• Independence Day – July 4
• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day – July 27
• Korean War Ended – July 27, 1953

And such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.

Non Flag Display Days
(for information only)

• D-Day Allied Invasion of Europe – June 6, 1944
• Summer Begins (Longest Day) – June 21
• Pledge of Allegiance Recognized by Congress – June 22, 1942
• G. I. Bill signed into law – June 22, 1944
• Korean War Began –June 25, 1950
• National Post Traumatic Stress Awareness Day – June 27
• Post 9/11 G I Bill Signed into Law – June 30
• U.S. Air Corps Established – July 2, 1926
• World War 1 Began – July 28, 1914
• U.S. Coast Guard Established – August 4, 1790
• Purple Heart Medal Established – August 7, 1782
• Vietnam War Began – August 7, 1964
• Japan Surrended Ending WWII – August 14, 1945
• National Navajo Code Talkers Day – August 14
• National Airborne Day – August 16
• National Aviation Day – August 19
• Women’s Equality Day – August 26

This information was taken from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2022/2023 Calendar.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

1. The flag should be hoisted brisklyand lowered ceremoniously.
2. The flag is never allowed totouch the ground or the floor.
3. When hung over a sidewalk on a rope extending from a building to a pole, the union stars are always away from the building.
4. When vertically hung over the center of the street, the flag always has the union stars to the north in an east/west street, and to the east in a north/south street.
5. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
6. The flag should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.
7. The flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day then raised to the top of the staff.
8. Never fly the flag upside down except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
9. The flag is never flown in inclemenet weather except when using an all-weather flag.
10. The flag can be flown every day from sunrise to sunset and at night if properly illuminated.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/