All american flag clipart on print our flag is in pdf form, if you dont have it download acrobat reader now to continue. Here, were looking at how to properly display, fold, and care for your american flag. Mar 28, 2009 my grandfathers funeral flag folding by the marines. A united states burial casket flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans to honor the memory of their service to the country. Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge.
Open or download the adobe pdf of the flag you wish to print. The meaning of the flag folds at a military funeral. Begin reading as honor guard or flag detail is coming forward. Make sure when you print you select the landscape option.
National flag foundation, the naval library, the institute of heraldry and several other sources have searched for documentation on flag folding, but detailed information regarding its origin remains unknown. An american flag is also know as our national ensign when used at sea as our countrys maritime flag. If you want to learn how to fold the american flag, please read liberty flags pdf how to fold the flag 296k. Folding the american flag instructions and symbols for the 12 folds of the flag. Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. How to fold the american flag the art of manliness. The meaning behind the folds of the united states flag. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, is the law of the land regarding the handling and displaying of the american flag. The flag is placed on a closed casket so the union blue field is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The folds of the american flag the meaning behind each fold. The custom of folding the united states flag into the shape of a triangle bestows unique honor and respect upon the flag. Mar 16, 2015 the meaning of the folding of the american flag that is described in this erumor is not without importance, but it is not official and not required. D outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form. Download our how to fold an american flag brochure.
The flag folding ceremony described by the uniformed services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like memorial day or veterans day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies. Bring the upper and lower halves of the flag together, folding it lengthwise in half. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, in god we trust. Folding the american flag instructions and symbols for the 12 folds of the flag though not part of the united state flag code, folding the american flag is a military custom. How to fold an american flag flag folding instructions how to tri fold the american flag flag folding meaning when to observe flag folding ceremonies where to find a great american flag owning an american flag is a honorable tradition for many american families, but it also comes with great responsibility. To begin, with one person at either end, hold the flag waist high so thats its surface is parallel to the ground. Flag folding ceremony air force script for more than 200 years, the american flag has been the symbol of our nations unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens.
Named americas toprated flag retailer save up to 40% on american made flags. Folding the american flag liberty flags, the american wave. The american flag may be folded for a number of reasons. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The american flag is lowered at the end of each day. Flag code created guidelines for the care and display of the flag. Next, fold the pointed corner over to form a second triangle, keeping the edge of the first triangle aligned with the edge of the folded flag. Step 3 fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field. A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. She wrote me two other times since the flag folding.
Respect and care should be taken so that the flag does not touch the ground. A large flag may have to be folded lengthwise a third time. The 50 stars represent our 50 united states of america. Step 6 the triangular folding is continued until the entire. Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside. It was an amazing coincidence that a full honors funeral was happening at arlington, and just as one of the scouts handed her the folded flag, we heard the gun salute in the distance.
Although it does not describe an official method for folding the flag, the. A straighten out the flag to full length and fold lengthwise once. These steps below will require a minimum of two people to keep the flag taut while folding. Dec 21, 2011 the curatorial team agreed that the flag should be folded in the traditional, triangular pattern before putting it on display. The meaning of the folding of the american flag that is described in this erumor is not without importance, but it is not official and not required. However, some sources attribute it to the gold star mothers of america while others to an air force chaplain stationed. The flag is also folded by members of the armed forces after it is lifted from a casket at a military funeral. There are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. To properly fold the flag, begin by holding it waisthigh with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground. B fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge, making sure that the union of stars on the blue field remains outward in full view. Federal law relating to display and associated questions congressional research service 3 c the flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an allweather flag is displayed. The field of stars should be visible on the left side. American flagfolding procedures the traditional method of folding the flag is as follows.
Jan 02, 2020 to fold the american flag into a triangle, start by folding the striped corner up to the top edge, aligning the outside edge with the top. 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. Jan 05, 2018 the folding of the american flag at a military funeral has folds. Learn the us flag code with our flag etiquette information. Born on june 14, 1777, the second continental congress determined that the flag of the united states be thirteen stripes, alternating between seven. Repeat, fold in half lengthwise again, being careful that the blue field is on the outside. A short video demonstrating the correct way to fold the american flag, while giving some interesting information about the flag. The source and date of origin of the meanings is unknown, but for those who participate or witness a formal flag folding ceremony, whether it be on flag day, memorial day, july 4th, veterans day, or at a military funeral, the meanings can create an uplifting experience. May 31, 2012 folding an american flag is a tradition, in which we remember our nations motto, in god we trust.
This final fold of the flag leaves the stars pointed upwards as a reminder of the nations motto, in god we trust. American flag folding procedures meaning of flag folding program the flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. The flag code does not impose penalties for the misuse of the flag. A large flag may have to be folded lengthwise a third. Or, provide a copy of a paper flag printed on both sides. 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. Because the flag represents an american tragedy of significant proportion and out of respect for the proper treatment of the artifact, the museum invited a member of the military to assist with folding the flag. Correct method of folding the united states flag a fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. The flag of the united states of america today has stripes 7 red and 6 white and 50 white stars on a blue field five rows of 6 and four rows of 5. The source and the date of origin of this flag folding procedure is unknown. The meaning of the folding of the american flagtruth.
To fold the american flag into a triangle, start by folding the striped corner up to the top edge, aligning the outside edge with the top. Delaware, pennsylvania, new jersey, georgia, connecticut, massachusetts, maryland, south carolina, new hampshire, virginia, new york, north carolina, and rhode island. Step 2 fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely. Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding, and. A folded american flag also resembles a colonial soldiers cocked hat that was worn during the fight for independence, as well as the sailors and marines who served under captain john paul jones of the armed forces of the united states. Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the american flag times. B from the folded edge then fold again over to meet the open edge. Though not part of the united state flag code, folding the american flag is a military custom. Why the american flag is folded times have you ever wondered why the flag of the united states of america is folded times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.
How to fold the american flag folding the flag how to. Jul 01, 2019 there are very specific rules guiding the proper american flag etiquette. Step 5 turn the outer end point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. The curatorial team agreed that the flag should be folded in the traditional, triangular pattern before putting it on display.
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you. How to fold an american flag folding an american flag. American flagfolding procedures the american legion. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. Outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. 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 traditional method of folding the flag is as follows. Jun 16, 2017 the last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, in god we trust. American flag etiquette rules on displaying, folding. Folding an american flag is a tradition, in which we remember our nations motto, in god we trust. Named americas toprated flag retailer save up to 40% on americanmade flags. C a triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped. Step 4 make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open top edge of the flag. How to fold the american flag personalized american made. The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a moving tribute of lasting importance to the veterans family. Do you know how to properly fold an american flag and what. With the thirteen folds of the american flag, a respectful and dignified acknowledgement is rendered to all veterans who have died in defending our freedoms.
As the flag is folded, for each fold recite the following. Meaning of the folds of the american flag it is said that american flag is folded times and each fold has a meaning. How to fold an american flag proper way to fold a flag. The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. Federal law relating to display and associated questions congressional research service summary this report presents, verbatim, the united states flag code as found in title 4 of the united states code and the section of title 36 which designates the starspangled banner as the national. To properly fold the american flag, follow these directions. The meaning behind folding an american flag national air. The national flag foundation recommends that this ceremony be read prior to the actual folding of the 5 x 912 casket flag. Fold the flag lengthwise again, bringing the lower half up to the top. He served in the marines in wwii, so they did the ceremony. The national flag foundation presents its own special flag folding ceremony, incorporating several of the virtues attributed to the colors of the flag as specified in 1782 by charles thomson, then secretary of congress.
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