Posted on Apr 14, 2015
The Symbolism of a Properly Folded Flag; what does it mean to us now?
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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.”
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.”
Posted in these groups: 
Respect
Patriotism
Respect Patriotism
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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.
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SFC Charles S.
PV2 (Join to see) I know, I feel exactly the same way. I have folded a few flags for those soldiers and I have the ultimate respect for their sacrifice. They have my utmost respect.
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SSG Warren Hall
I also have my Grandfather's, he passed when I was about 16. He was a WWII Vet also.
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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
"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
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SFC Charles S.
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I have my Retirement Flag displayed on my I love me wall in my office at work. It means a Lot to me also. Great Quote also!!!
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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.
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.
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1SG (Join to see)
I was a Casualty Assistance Officer/ Casualty Notification Officer. I was the CAO for over 30 of our brothers who gave there all. The Flag is something that brings tears to my eyes when it is flying. It is a constant reminder of the sacrifice's that have been made for her. My father was a WWII Vet and he handed down to me his fathers flag. At the time of my grandfathers death there were only 48 states so my grandfathers flag has 48 stars
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SFC Charles S.
1SG (Join to see) I can imagine how that duty is now embedded in your memory. I was also passed along my grandfathers flag that had only 48 stars. Those are special items and I've only unfolded it 1 time because we were putting it in a Shadow box and the folds were too large to fit inside the glass, I didn't unfold the entire flag but just enough to re-tuck and tighten it.
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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.
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.
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SFC Charles S.
SSG Warren Hall That is a great story... You took your Grandfathers Flag and flew it over a camp while in Afghanistan. This is something I felt should be passed on and I'm glad that its getting around.
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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.
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SFC Charles S.
LCpl Christopher Washburn (Noe) I know what you mean, I feel exactly the same way, I get it with the National Anthem also.
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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.
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SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr
I served 1980-88 and was not trying to embarrass you. At 52 yo I just learned what the 13 folds were for.God Bless you and thank you for your service.
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SPC Charles Brown
SrA Ronald Schwenk Jr, no worries. I wasn't embarrassed, I was frustrated by trying to deal with the individual who voted me down. Thanks for your service. Friends?
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SPC Charles Brown
LTC Richard Yood. Sir, I am still wondering why you saw fit to down vote me on a comment. Was it because of my ignorance or were you just having a bad day and needed someone to vent on? Providing an answer would be the polite thing to do.
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SFC Charles S.
SPC Charles Brown The world may never know. I got a couple of those on this thread... there was nothing wrong with your post. It was the Religious angle that was the issue.
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Thanks for sharing, this is becoming a lost art, we all must continue to share our knowledge, Thanks SFC Charles S.!
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SFC Charles S.
CSM Michael J. Uhlig No problem. When I saw the article I knew it had been a long time since I've remembered all of these things. A refresher never hurts and for those who never knew it a good lesson in tradition.
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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.
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SFC Charles S.
Not a Religious Discussion here. FLAG and it's Symbolism. History is against what you stated. Sorry.
USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the UnitedStates of America - Flag Folding
Find answers to common and uncommon questions about the United States Flag and its evolution. Information on Flag etiquette and the U.S. Flag Code. Patriotic poems, hymns, and essays.
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SPC Eric Gibbs
Actually look up what year the words Under God were added to the Pledge of Allegance. They were not in the original pledge. Then look at when the flag folding ceremony started. Then look up the creation of this particular versiin of what the folds mean and who created it and an Air Force officer has credit. This would predate the Air Force if it were true. You sir need to study history before quoting it. This is a version that is recent meaning 1940s or better. For more info read up on snopes.com and do some research on Military.com and your local library.
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SFC Charles S.
Ok Specialist... you stated "the symbolism given above is not historically accurate" in reference to my post.
As my post was about the flag folding ceremony... it's as historically accurate as the creation of that ceremony. So... It has nothing to do with the PLEDGE of Allegiance at all... and because it was created by an Air force officer, so what, that has nothing to do with it being accurate or not. The symbolism is the same for the ceremony that was created, which that is what we are talking about in this thread.
It’s about patriotism and our Flag and the care with which it is folded and if that ceremony is predicated by these words that is the origin of the ceremony we hold every time we fold a flag on every post in the United State Military. It’s something called Tradition. Even if that tradition happened after WWII.
Oh, and I'm not quoting history or anything else, I posted a freaking article and asked a question. You got your panties in a wad cause it had “God” in the ceremony, all of the facts you were talking about a ceremony were wrong and I called you on it.. nothing more. It’s not a religious post or thread. You seem hell bent on making this about the “GOD” portion and not the Symbolism of the Flag or ceremony so just STOP.
As my post was about the flag folding ceremony... it's as historically accurate as the creation of that ceremony. So... It has nothing to do with the PLEDGE of Allegiance at all... and because it was created by an Air force officer, so what, that has nothing to do with it being accurate or not. The symbolism is the same for the ceremony that was created, which that is what we are talking about in this thread.
It’s about patriotism and our Flag and the care with which it is folded and if that ceremony is predicated by these words that is the origin of the ceremony we hold every time we fold a flag on every post in the United State Military. It’s something called Tradition. Even if that tradition happened after WWII.
Oh, and I'm not quoting history or anything else, I posted a freaking article and asked a question. You got your panties in a wad cause it had “God” in the ceremony, all of the facts you were talking about a ceremony were wrong and I called you on it.. nothing more. It’s not a religious post or thread. You seem hell bent on making this about the “GOD” portion and not the Symbolism of the Flag or ceremony so just STOP.
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SPC Eric Gibbs
You stated it was the tradition the ceremony was based on. It is not. That is my problem. One of the statements is a quote from the pledge after the words under god were introduced. The sentiment is good, but stating tradition incorrectly is not. I called it out for that and yes religion is a part of it. I stated the points that didn't make historical sense. This is a "newer" tradition if you want to call it that attached to the flag ceremony and it does not sit well with me.
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Any object of that size and shape will have the same number of folds. Someone made this up a few decades ago.
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COL Ted Mc
LTC Joseph Gross - Colonel; Quite right.
On the other hand, the "tradition" is now a TRADITION and deeply meaningful even if it was completely fabricated to start out.
Without being disrespectful, this reminds me of the problem that a New England college (and for the life of me I can't remember which one) had keeping the grass in its quadrangle looking good [people kept walking across it and wearing pathways in the grass]. The college tried all sorts of things - but nothing stopped the students from walking on the grass. Finally some genius came up with the perfect solution (and it DID work). They put up signs that read "It is a tradition at this college not to walk across the grassy quadrangle." [I kid you not.] and people stopped walking across the grass.
[TOTALLY IRRELEVANT ASIDE] Military folks have been folding flags into triangles for centuries. A triangular flag "breaks" more easily and smoothly than one folded into a rectangle.
On the other hand, the "tradition" is now a TRADITION and deeply meaningful even if it was completely fabricated to start out.
Without being disrespectful, this reminds me of the problem that a New England college (and for the life of me I can't remember which one) had keeping the grass in its quadrangle looking good [people kept walking across it and wearing pathways in the grass]. The college tried all sorts of things - but nothing stopped the students from walking on the grass. Finally some genius came up with the perfect solution (and it DID work). They put up signs that read "It is a tradition at this college not to walk across the grassy quadrangle." [I kid you not.] and people stopped walking across the grass.
[TOTALLY IRRELEVANT ASIDE] Military folks have been folding flags into triangles for centuries. A triangular flag "breaks" more easily and smoothly than one folded into a rectangle.
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LTC Joseph Gross
Very good point. All traditions must start somewhere. Another story about sidewalks and grass. One noted builder/designer always put in sidewalks last so he would see where people walked...
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COL Ted Mc
LTC Joseph Gross - Colonel; Fabulous, I LOVE it.
You, of course, have heard the (supposedly) apocryphal story that one of the major problems with teaching marksmanship to female soldiers is that they "instinctively" tend to aim about two feet lower on the torso than male soldiers do, haven't you?
You, of course, have heard the (supposedly) apocryphal story that one of the major problems with teaching marksmanship to female soldiers is that they "instinctively" tend to aim about two feet lower on the torso than male soldiers do, haven't you?
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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.
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SFC Charles S.
Yes, the Honor Guard will do that and having to perform 35+ servcies, wow, I'm sure that took it's toll. I've done it but no where near that many. My hat is off to your for providing that service to all of our fallen brothers / sisters in arms.
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
I had returned to my barracks after a detail whon I was on Base Honor Guard and a couple guys said they were just happy to get off work and get back to barracks freshen up and have a few brewskies .. etc.,..
I commented I am sure that the Airman we honored today would like to be doing what yuu’re doing right now.. except he’s in a crypt at San Francisco National cemetary .
I’d like to invite you to come in your Class A Uniform to a funeral with us to see what we do when we honor our own fallen.. Eventually they came, one at a time.., One did apply and was accepted , the other, his duty section said they could not spare him.. I got our Lt to give their section head a visit.. the next week that Airman had a position on our Guard.. That was the 1st time in many years our Base Hospital had 3 members on the guard . Not all the same flight . It was the way the hospital wanted it. I had done details with other flights when they were short people... many times on
My off-Duty day. T’was not a prob.. I showed up one day and had a holster on my honor guard Belt. I’d forgotten to leave it in the truck I’d been Rifle team Sergeant a few times actually. That was the first time I had the holster on my belt and returns to my duty to check on my shift for next day.. One of my fellow Cooks, actually s diet tech .. commented that I was classed as a medic, a non-combatant.. I didn’t have time to play silly games or have silly arguments .. I checked my schedule, wrote a couple notes and left. Our Lt. Showed him in my job description Diet tech was a secondary specialty . so that knockd the Wind outta his sail..
I had the honor of being on the detail that honored the Lt’s Stepfather at his funeral .. I was On firing detail that day and we gave 3 perfect volleys from our rifles.. in fact our Chief Dietician was also there to lend moral support ., After that I never heard a negative comment..not even from that Airman over the non-combatant issue.. I can understand
His point . . But the pistol is two fold. The Officer also had one. Mainly it’s to protect the rifles.
Although set up for blanks they can be converted.. and there are some crazy people out in La-La land ..
What I appreciated were the endorsement Supporting my
Service as a Honor Guard member.
Representing Base Hospital.. .
She. I got to N. Dakota I managed to get an alternate spot on base Honor Guard.. I think I got to do it 6 times . It was a by-chance sit rep they all occurred on a non-duty day. I had gone on one 3 hours after I had returned from 3 days at a launch facility. We had done a evening service at a base chapel for a officer who had been in a wreck not far from base.. in fact he was a missile launch officer.. there must of been a lot of rescheduling of missile officers for this funeral..
Some of them had recognized me from the L-F (Launch Facility). They told me at a later date they’d seen me.. and thanked me for being on their fellow officer’s funeral detail.. I didn’t Want to sound impertinent. I wanted to ask nicelike if they’d thanked the rest of the Guard that were there.. I know it’s part of the duty.. for us it’s not our AFSC like The AF Honor Guard..
It was an additional duty I was proud to partake in..
I commented I am sure that the Airman we honored today would like to be doing what yuu’re doing right now.. except he’s in a crypt at San Francisco National cemetary .
I’d like to invite you to come in your Class A Uniform to a funeral with us to see what we do when we honor our own fallen.. Eventually they came, one at a time.., One did apply and was accepted , the other, his duty section said they could not spare him.. I got our Lt to give their section head a visit.. the next week that Airman had a position on our Guard.. That was the 1st time in many years our Base Hospital had 3 members on the guard . Not all the same flight . It was the way the hospital wanted it. I had done details with other flights when they were short people... many times on
My off-Duty day. T’was not a prob.. I showed up one day and had a holster on my honor guard Belt. I’d forgotten to leave it in the truck I’d been Rifle team Sergeant a few times actually. That was the first time I had the holster on my belt and returns to my duty to check on my shift for next day.. One of my fellow Cooks, actually s diet tech .. commented that I was classed as a medic, a non-combatant.. I didn’t have time to play silly games or have silly arguments .. I checked my schedule, wrote a couple notes and left. Our Lt. Showed him in my job description Diet tech was a secondary specialty . so that knockd the Wind outta his sail..
I had the honor of being on the detail that honored the Lt’s Stepfather at his funeral .. I was On firing detail that day and we gave 3 perfect volleys from our rifles.. in fact our Chief Dietician was also there to lend moral support ., After that I never heard a negative comment..not even from that Airman over the non-combatant issue.. I can understand
His point . . But the pistol is two fold. The Officer also had one. Mainly it’s to protect the rifles.
Although set up for blanks they can be converted.. and there are some crazy people out in La-La land ..
What I appreciated were the endorsement Supporting my
Service as a Honor Guard member.
Representing Base Hospital.. .
She. I got to N. Dakota I managed to get an alternate spot on base Honor Guard.. I think I got to do it 6 times . It was a by-chance sit rep they all occurred on a non-duty day. I had gone on one 3 hours after I had returned from 3 days at a launch facility. We had done a evening service at a base chapel for a officer who had been in a wreck not far from base.. in fact he was a missile launch officer.. there must of been a lot of rescheduling of missile officers for this funeral..
Some of them had recognized me from the L-F (Launch Facility). They told me at a later date they’d seen me.. and thanked me for being on their fellow officer’s funeral detail.. I didn’t Want to sound impertinent. I wanted to ask nicelike if they’d thanked the rest of the Guard that were there.. I know it’s part of the duty.. for us it’s not our AFSC like The AF Honor Guard..
It was an additional duty I was proud to partake in..
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