The Symbolism of a Properly Folded Flag; what does it mean to us now?

SFC Charles S. — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:56:38 -0400

Symbols for the Folds of the Flag
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance 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 throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; 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.
5. 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.”
6. 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.
7. 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 enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth 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, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9. 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.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
11. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, 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.
12. The 12th 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.
13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Do You Know How to Properly Fold an American Flag and What it Symbolizes?

The American Flag is a symbol of democracy that many men and women have sacrificed their very lives defending. While... View Article

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 14 at 2015 4:59 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:59:21 -0400

Thanks for sharing, this is becoming a lost art, we all must continue to share our knowledge, Thanks SFC Charles S.!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 5:33 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 17:33:38 -0400

I have the flag in a case that was on my Grand-daddy's coffin. He was a WWII vet. It means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for those who are draped with this flag. I run my hand on the raised stars and I think of my grand-daddy and what he endured, what the Vietnam veterans endured, those who were killed at the Pentagon on 9/11, and those killed in Iraq, and Afghanistan...Reverence, Respect, and Honor.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 7:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:06:44 -0400

Thanks for that! I wasn't aware! That's good knowledge to have! Sadly it's not for some because I didn't know otherwise I would have known years ago

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 14 at 2015 7:09 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:09:03 -0400

What it meant as funeral OIC was the flag is special. The hard training, exact coordination, presenting it to the last of kin while looking in those teary eyes meant something for the widow and family. I would get up salute, about face, and never see her again hoping she would not suffer that is unbearable.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Apr 14 at 2015 7:10 PM

SFC Charles S. — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:10:54 -0400

I wanted to offer this other tidbit of knowledge. These words every time they are spoken and I hear what is offered to the surviving family it gives me chills.

A United States flag drapes the casket of deceased Servicemembers and Veterans to honor their service to America. The flag is placed so that the blue field with stars is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. After Taps has been played, the flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tri-cornered shape. 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. The folded flag is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member. Each branch of the Armed Forces uses its own wording for the presentation ...

U.S. Army ... This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.

U.S. Marine Corps ... On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps.

U.S. Navy ... On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy.

U.S. Air Force ... On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of rank and name of deceased.

U.S. Coast Guard ... On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and the Coast Guard.

If the next of kin has expressed a religious preference or belief, add ... God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 14 at 2015 7:57 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:57:29 -0400

It symbolizes freedom, liberty, and sacrifice. Yes it matters if it is folded correctly. I did funeral details for several years as a Lieutenant, and on other occasions, and folding the flag properly and correctly matters.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Apr 14 at 2015 8:20 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 20:20:25 -0400

Very well said. A properly folded Flag sits in my mama's living. This flag represents the life of my grandfather Pvt. Zane K. Rinehuls a Purple Heart WWII Veteran. Whom I proudly followed into this great Army.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:49:31 -0400

One of the most humbling experiences I have had was being apart of the base honor guard where I did 35+ military funerals. My appreciation for the flag and what it represents is unwavering because of it. We have to continue to teach and mentor those around us so we may never lose sight of what the flag truly means.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 1:39 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 01:39:08 -0400

Hillary's answer is a major problem when you consider newer SMs entering the fray. But let's admonish people who think it is about surviving Veterans because while it is that, it is more about interred veterans many who died on the beaches and sands of deserts in the Middle East. It is NOT about people on the left

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 23 at 2015 2:52 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:52:15 -0400

I knew there was something special about each fold, but could never get an answer that covered it completely. Many whom I have asked knew two or three of the symbols but not all. Thank you SFC Charles S. for bringing this out. As for hillary, well, no comment I could make would be acceptable here, it would create mutiny and upheaval here on RallyPoint, the downfall of the American civilization and life on earth as we know it! So I will just say no comment, um. for now.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 23 at 2015 3:13 PM

LTC Joseph Gross — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:13:39 -0400

Any object of that size and shape will have the same number of folds. Someone made this up a few decades ago.

Response by CPO William Hughes made Apr 23 at 2015 5:14 PM

CPO William Hughes — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 17:14:31 -0400

As a Veteran and an Atheist, the overtly christian drift is not anything I would want done to the flag that will cover my bones. Just leave it at "He served his country in an honorable way and now his body belongs to the cosmos"

Response by AA Angelica Taveras made Apr 23 at 2015 6:50 PM

AA Angelica Taveras — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:50:50 -0400

I remember doing colors & folding the Flag for the first time it was awesome . I'll never forget it . God bless !

Response by SGT Robert Scott made Apr 23 at 2015 10:45 PM

SGT Robert Scott — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:45:15 -0400

Tradition is what it's all about. And to honor those that gave their all for our country and for those that have passed since their time(s) of service to our country.

I have a flag from my time in Iraq. Each time I look at it, I think of all the great warriors/friends that I had the opportunity and good fortune to know and work alongside.

Response by LCpl Christopher Washburn (Noe) made Apr 24 at 2015 11:21 AM

LCpl Christopher Washburn (Noe) — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:21:03 -0400

To me, the FLAG is one of the few symbols that provides a sacred bond for all of us who choose to "Sign the Dotted Line". To this day, whenever I recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the hair on the back of my neck stands at attention. It is a daily reminder for me to give thanks and honor all of those whom have gone before me, and serves as a reminder to live my life to the fullest measure. This IS my flag. This is OUR flag. This will ALWAYS be THE FLAG.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 11:45 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:45:40 -0400

I like it, but I've heard other renditions at retirements. I really like "Old Glory".

Response by SGT Richard Ellis made Apr 24 at 2015 1:00 PM

SGT Richard Ellis — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 13:00:19 -0400

Thank You SFC Charles Staley. I am posting a copy of this on the bulletin board at My VFW Post for all to see

Response by SPC Eric Gibbs made Apr 24 at 2015 3:38 PM

SPC Eric Gibbs — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:38:07 -0400

The symbolism given above is not historically accurate and is exclusionary to many of our Veterans from nonchristian faiths. The flag is folded twice bilaterally to allow for a size that is equal to the star field. Then the flag should fold the remainder of the 13 times to leave enough overhang to tuck securly so that the stars and blue field are showing with no red or white. This was done so the flad could be immediately distingiushed from other articals of linen, carried and stored easily and it was pleasing to the eye. Meanings such as the above have been placed on the folds and by and by have been repeated here and there. This is not official, it is not military tradition, any more than Fiddler's Green is Army approved as a poem for the Cavalry. The sentiment is the same though and the ceremony as a whole is a solemn occasion that should be held in respect. Not any one part or one fold for its particular meaning. Moreover, the fact that a group of dedicated representatives are showing the appreciation for your sacrifice by performing a time honored tradition for you this time, to honor you and your sacrifices no matter your religion, country of birth or political party. At that moment, be it retreat or the final retreat, we are just soldiers honoring our own. That is what the ceremony is to me, honoring those who gave some, those who gave more all.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 9:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:29:02 -0400

I love this symbolism. I´ve known how to properly fold a flag for a long time but I never knew that each fold meant something. I will keep this in mind next time I have the opportunity to fold a flag.

Response by SSG Warren Hall made Apr 25 at 2015 1:43 AM

SSG Warren Hall — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 01:43:31 -0400

This is a time honored tradition, it is sad that many of today's troops do not know what the Symbolism is, or how to fold properly. I believe that this is something they should teach at Basic Training.
I also have my Grandfather's in a case. He was in the Navy during WWII. I also flew on over Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan while there, in honor of him.
Last week we took the flag down at our MC's Clubhouse (American Veteran's Motorcycle Club) for the last time. A club member, an Airforce Veteran and I took it down in the traditional manner, I brought it down while he Saluted, then we both folded it. My wife is from Mexico, but is Spanish. She said they do not have a proper traditional way to fold their flag, neither in Mexico or Spain. I found that kind of odd, but it gave me a greater pride in our tradition, and it's meaning.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 28 at 2015 4:43 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:43:05 -0400

My Retirement Ceremony on 21 November 2014 A fulfillment of my Army Career(the Flag). In the words of the immortal General Of The Army Douglas MacArthur:

"Duty, Honor, Country" — those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

"Duty Honor Country" its priceless.

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/Army/USMA/MacArthur/1962_speech_to_the_Corps.html

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 1 at 2015 1:19 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 01 May 2015 01:19:02 -0400

Thanks for the info, I didn't know it all. I have one folded flag. After I got back from Iraq in 2004, the Army Reserve started their "Welcome Home Warrior" program. I'd already went IRR by the time the presentations were made in person, so mine was mailed to me. Yes I miss out on the being presented part, but that flag in it's case is hanging on the wall so when I go to bed every night I look at it. It is special to me.

Response by PO2 Doug Bonds made May 7 at 2015 10:52 AM

PO2 Doug Bonds — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:52:50 -0400

I agree with the symbolism of the 13 folds, but I realize that many people in the United States no longer believe in some or most of these thirteen statements.

I for one, still do!

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Mar 9 at 2017 2:15 AM

PO3 John Jeter — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 02:15:02 -0500

As A Patriot Guard Rider, I had the sad privilege of folding the burial flag for presentation to the family of an 83 year old veteran last Monday. When I got almost to the last fold, I realized I wouldn't have enough for the tuck to stay in. My opposite number realized at the same time. I backed off the fold several times, tightened it down and refolded. This time it came out just right. Needless to say, I felt miserable about it. Our Ride Captain played 'Taps' very well on his trumpet and the services concluded shortly thereafter. We were waiting for the family to clear before we struck our display when the son who received the Flag came up to me. I wanted to wilt and tried to apologize, but he wasn't having any of it. He was so very grateful and proud, that we cared enough to make sure that the flag was folded properly, to honor his father as he deserved. On an impulse, I took off my white parade gloves, paired them together and with his permission, tucked them into the flap so just the fingertips showed. Neither one of us had any words, but I believe we communicated very well indeed.
There is more than one type of symbolism involved with our flag, depending on the occasion. Don't ever let anyone tell you different, the Symbolism matters greatly!

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Mar 27 at 2019 7:49 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:49:44 -0400

I agree with the symbolism even more with all that has happened and having served our nation it goes even deeper in
to to the heart when I see our Flag disparaged and I think of all. The comrades whose funeral details I’ve
Served on and the hurt goes deep..
because they are dishonoring our
Deceased comrades and those who came to our shores seeking a better more secure life..way back before even the statue was erected .. back to as far
when forefathers battled for our country’s independence .. and more. ..

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Mar 28 at 2019 8:20 AM

PVT Mark Zehner — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 08:20:40 -0400

Love flag history