Meaning of Flag Folds

[EmailPoster]

I know that when the flag is folded 13 times,...

I know that when the flag is folded 13 times, each fold stands for something. Could you please let me know the meaning of each fold. Thanks.

Rob

[nbkyi66]

While the following unofficial script for flag folding doesn't appear in the Flag Code and has religious references, it is very popular among many patriots...

• The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
• The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
• 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.
• The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times 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 in to 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, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
• The tenth fold is a tribute to 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 Ghost.
• When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust." (Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)
• 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.

Information from:

USA Patriotism! ... Flag Folding

[Peter Ansoff]

"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.""

This is not exactly what Decatur said. The correct quotation is:

"Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations, may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong."

(The source is a biography of Decatur written by Alexander S. Mackenzie in 1846.)

Apparently whoever came up with the folding ceremony didn't think the historical version was appropriate, and decided to fudge things a bit!

Peter Ansoff

[mrrocnron]

Why isn't it for the for the 13 stars and the 13 stripes...

[american_flag_uk]

nah i dont think it has anything to do with the 13 stars and 13 stripes.

a typical flag can be folded 13 times they prob came up with the meanings after knowing how many times the flag can be folded