[EmailPoster]

Folded Flag

Originally Posted by MarieD603

My Dad, a veteran of WW 2 died 13 years ago. The US flag that covered his
coffin has been folded in the closet since he passed away. Recently my Mom gave
the flag to my son who just started college in memory of his grandpa. My son
wants to hang it flat on the wall. My husband seems to think that once it was
folded, it shouldn't be unfolded. Can you please tell us if there is a rule on
this. My son is proud of his grandpa who fought at the battle of the bulge and
wants to show his patriotism by displaying the flag.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by EmailPoster

Folded Flag

Marie,

It is a fitting and honorable tribute for your son to possess the flag his grandmother received at her husband's burial. The American flag should not be used as any sort of decoration or drapery. If your son wishes to display the flag it should be done folded as it was at the burial ceremony and displayed, preferably, in a case made just for that flag (usmilitarystuff.com).

The flag, properly displayed in a case on a shelf, perhaps with a plaque, will draw many more inquiries than a wall-hanging, curtain or other such use. And it will surely return from college cleaner, neater and undamaged. In short--in condition for your son to give to his son or daughter in the future.

Firstly, the US Flag can be placed and displayed against a wall, and if done respectfully is not considered as decoration, according to US law. Marie it does not sound as though your son has anything but respect for the flag, his grandfather, and the country, so displaying the flag in this manner is quite all right. Secondly, by US law, technically the flag should not be folded but always allowed to fall free, however, the traditions of the military may take precedent. Thus by what I’ve read, either folding or unfolding of the flag should be not considered as a desecration, and if done properly and with respect, the flag can be refolded. In my opinion, it simply depends on how your son would like to respect his grandfather, neither is wrong, according to law or necessarily etiquette.