Flag folding meaning pdf

A copy of this ceremony may be obtained by calling or emailing national flag foundation. There is one wellknown ceremony for flag folding, often attributed to the air force academy, in which each of the twelve folds of the flag is assigned a symbolic meaning. Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the united states of america flag times. How to fold the american flag folding the flag how to. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal the third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world. Correct method of folding the united states flag a fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. Why we fold the flag times have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the american flag times. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red top and bottom alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton referred to specifically as the union bearing fifty small, white, fivepointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal. Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely. The national flag foundation recommends that this ceremony be read prior to the actual folding of the 5 x 912 casket flag. This recommended procedure has been passed by the 125 th ohio general assembly as house bill 552, and signed into law by the governor on february 15, 2005. Jun 16, 2017 each of the folds of the flag holds great significance. No comments on the meaning behind each fold of the flag.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the christians eyes, god the father, the son, and holy spirit. It is known that it is folded in a manner that adds dignity and respect to the flag. Below are several suggested scripts to be used during. Thethird fold ismadeinhonorandremembranceoftheveteransdepartingourrankswhogavea. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of times to complete the ceremony. The meanings behind rituals for military and veteran. I put this together so that people will know what is the meaning of a flag draped coffin and also what each fold of the united states flag means to a widow or widower when given the united states.

The flag of the united states of america, often referred to as the american flag or u. Step 7 the represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their when the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible. Flag manual the starspangled banner the national anthem of the united states by act of congress, march 3, 1931 oh, say, can you see, by. Most americans have seen the traditional folding of the american flag, at specific events, such as funerals. Below are several suggested scripts to be used during flag folding ceremonies. This flag was the official flag of our country from 1795 to 1818, and was prominent in many historic events. The bunker hill flag was a blue banner with a white canton filled with a red cross and a small green pine. Born on june 14, 1777, the second continental congress determined that the flag of the united states. Meaning of the folds of the american flag it is said that american flag is folded times and each fold has a meaning.

If youve ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the u. Fold evenly in half lengthwise by folding the left half over the top to meet the right half. The flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water or other objects. At the time when the united kingdom, britain, and northern ireland became one, the design of a flag that represents all three identities with pride was needed to keep the peace. A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. The flag of the maritime colony of rhode island bore a blue anchor under the word hope. For being one of the oldest flags in use, the british flag has a hard time finding its place in the symbolism of a great nation. This item about the meanings of the folds in a flag reminds me of a. There is no official flagfolding ceremony and there is no official meaning to each of the folds.

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. You might have thought it was to symbolize the original colonies. Major stump, with assistance from stephanie spence and dawn planas conservation contractors for the moving beyond earth gallery folded the flag, while i lisa young read an explanation of the meaning behind each of the thirteen folds in a properly folded american flag. 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 third fold is made do you know the reason behind the flag folding the united states flag is folded.

You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why. The meaning behind each fold of the flag annas musings. Flag manual the starspangled banner the national anthem of the united states by act of congress, march 3, 1931 oh, say, can you see, by the dawns early light, whose broad stripes and bright. Just the awesomeness of what the true meaning is, makes me more proud of our service men and women and our country, our flag of freedom, and no matter what problems our country faces, it is still the best. Flag presentation protocol and flag folding a united states burial casket flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans to honor the memory of their service to the country. To begin, with one person at either end, hold the flag waist high so thats its surface is parallel to the ground. Other flag folding scripts are available at this page at. 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. Meaning of flagfolding program the flagfolding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, is the law of the land regarding the handling and displaying of the american flag.

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside. The meaning behind folding an american flag national air. Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. The meaning behind the military funeral flag folds. The flag shall be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The meaning behind the folds of the united states flag the. Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. Mar 22, 20 joint base andrews honor guard flag folding two members of the joint base andrews honor guard team demonstrate proper flag folding techniques. When its not on display, the flag should be folded into a triangle. Dec 21, 2011 the curatorial team agreed that the flag should be folded in the traditional, triangular pattern before putting it on display.

The national flag of the united states of america, which is commonly known as the american flag, is a source of pride for americans. The meaning behind the folds of the united states flag. Meaning of flag draped coffin koreacold war families. The flagfolding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded.

The reason for the flag folding it ways should be taught in school along with the pledge. Meaning of flag draped coffin all americans should be given this lesson. Born on june 14, 1777, the second continental congress determined that the flag of the united states be thirteen stripes, alternating between seven. After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as part of the ceremony. Over the last year 20182019 the significance of this ritual has gained a lot more meaning. To properly fold the flag, begin by holding it waisthigh with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground. Born on june 14, 1777, the second continental congress determined that the flag. The meaning of the folding of the american flagtruth. The meaning behind the folding ceremonies of the flag script outlines many alleged and discredited religious meanings behind the folding of the american flag. As we revealed in our blog post how to fold your american flag, the origins of the widely accepted flag folding procedure is unknown. We capture the love a mother feels for her son with the i love my son quotes.

The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a moving tribute of lasting importance to the veterans family. It was the first flag to be flown over a fortress of the old world when american marine and naval forces raised it above the pirate stronghold in tripoli on april 27, 1805. Tuck the loose edge of the flag into the pocket formed by the folds so that only the blue field and white stars are visible. Start the first triangular fold on the striped end of the flag by bringing the folded edge up to meet the open edge. Message alleges that there is meaning to each fold of the american flag, for example, at a military funeral when the flag is presented to the family of the person who died. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks. Flagfolding in military freedom from religion foundation. Have you ever wondered why old glory is folded that. 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. Starting with the striped end of the folded flag, fold the bottom corner up to meet the open edge of the flag creating a triangular shape. The blue field of our nations flag is placed at the head of the coffin, over the left shoulder of the deceased veteran.

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. The meaning of the flag folds at a military funeral. When folding the flag in half lengthwise, leave an inch on the blue field side overlapped so you dont have to refold, then a second lengthwise fold. These are the meanings ascribed to each fold as our flag is folded. The th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, in god we trust. The folds of the american flag the meaning behind each. Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. Folding the american flag into a triangle gives unique honor and respect to the flag. Have you ever wondered what each of the folds represents. 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. The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. I originally wrote this article about the folding of the flag to honor flag day june 14 original posting 61414. The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. May 22, 2019 meaning of the folds of the american flag it is said that american flag is folded times and each fold has a meaning.

If youve attended a funeral honoring a veteran who served our country, perhaps you witnessed the folding of the flag that once covered the casket of a loved one. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. B from the folded edge then fold again over to meet the open edge. 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. The folds of the american flag the meaning behind each fold. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

As the flag is folded, for each fold recite the following. Continue folding down and across in this manner until the final corner remains. The flag code does not impose penalties for the misuse of the flag. The meaning of the folding of the american flag truth. Outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. The meanings behind rituals for military and veteran funerals. Fold the triangle section in towards the stars, aligning the outside edge along the top. Here is one story that is dear to many veterans and their families. 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.

Meaning of flag draped coffin american legion post 598. The thirteen folds of the american flag are rich in tradition, meaning, and honor. Why the american flag is folded times here is the. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.

What each fold means the first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. This christian narrative typically reads as follows. The flag is folded to represent the original thirteen colonies of the united states. At the ceremony of retreat, a daily observance at bases during which all personnel pay respect to the flag, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nations honored dead. Each of the folds of the flag holds great significance. Youll know your triangle folding is good if theres a corner at the edge of the blue field. Prominent in such occasions is the flagdraped casket. The united states has adopted a unique ritual as to how the united states flag will be folded. Liberty flag, a large blue banner with a white crescent in the upper corner, rallied the defenders of charleston, south carolina, in 1776. 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. American flagfolding procedures the american legion. Fold the flag in half lengthwise a second time making sure that the union the blue rectangle with the stars is in full view.

Meaning of the folds of the american flag courageous. Begin reading as honor guard or flag detail is coming forward. Download our how to fold an american flag brochure. Honor guard team demonstrate proper flag folding techniques. D outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge. Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you. After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever. 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. Prominent in such occasions is the flag draped casket. Step 2 fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely. At the ceremony of retreat, a daily observance at bases during which all personnel pay. Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means. Usaf honor guard basic protocol, honors, and ceremonies l5azo8g000001 and l5azk8g000002 december 2001 11th wing 11th operations. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing rank, who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.