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Flag Folding
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous
attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?
You probably thought it was to symbolize the original
13 colonies, but we learn something new everyday!
Begin
To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with
another
person so
that its surface is
parallel to the ground.
Step 1
Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the
field
of
stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.
The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
Step 2
Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
Step 3
Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge
to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.
The 3rd 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
Step 4
Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.
The 4th 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 time of
war, for His divine guidance.
Step 5
The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.
The 5th 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.
Step 6
The 6th 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 the Republic for which it stands, one Nation
under God, indivisible,
with
Liberty and Justice for all.
Step 7
The 7th 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.
Step 8
The 8th 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
Step 9
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has
been
through their
faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the
character of
the men
and women who have made this country great,
has been molded.
Step 10
The 10th fold is a tribute to Fathers, for they too, have given
their sons
and daughters for the defense of our country since they
were first born.
Step 11
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King
David
and
King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Step 12
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in
the Christians' eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
Step 13
When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars
are uppermost, reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust".
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. There are some traditions and ways of doing
things that have important deep
meanings.
In
the future, when you see flags folded, now you
will know why.
Please share our symbol
of Liberty and Freedom
with all your friends
and loved ones.
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