How many stars should be shown on a folded American Flag, and why?

SPC Rachael Lavertu — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 20:31:24 -0400

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2014 8:53 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 20:53:38 -0400

Is this a trick question? It should be all covered in stars. And how can you count, especially in the middle of a ceremony?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 31 at 2014 9:03 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:03:14 -0400

depending on all the variables, size, spacing, etc., 4 - 1 for each branch of the service Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force. Sorry Coast Guard, this was before you were considered a military branch.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Aug 31 at 2014 9:04 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:04:54 -0400

13 full stars should be shown, representing 13 colonies.
There should 13 folds in that flag.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2014 9:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:35:49 -0400

When I did honor guard duties, we strove for 9 stars, in a 1-3-5 configuration. This was hard to achieve if the flag was of heavier material and could also vary by the size of the flag being folded. There is an urban legend that there should be thirteen showing (for the thirteen colonies). I have yet to see this done successfully while following the rules for thirteen triangular folds.
Most novices end up with 4 or 6 stars, depending on which side is up.
The shape represents the tri-cornered (or cocked) hat worn during the Revolutionary War.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 1 at 2014 8:31 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 08:31:29 -0400

Well then, SPC P K you are the one saying the answers are incorrect and the sites referenced are not authoritative, so what is the answer?

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Sep 1 at 2014 10:29 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 10:29:47 -0400

Here is a short description from Military Funeral Honors:

https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/mfh/getLinks.do?tab=Flag

A properly proportioned flag will fold 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 original colonies. The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. ... it doesn't specify how many stars .....