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
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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.
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SFC Charles S.
SPC Todd Hanson That is exactly why it means so much. To the family who receives these flags it is about their memories and the lives that they represent as to why the symbolism is so important.
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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.
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SFC Charles S.
COL Charles Williams Sir, 100% agree. That is why I posted this. The Link gives the symbolism and I also in a comment posted the words that a Honor Guard CDR says while presenting the Flag to the Family. Having been on Honor Guards and also on the receiving side of the Flag. It surely does matter, especially the Family who receives that symbol of their loved ones service flag.
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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.
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SFC Charles S.
MAJ Ken Landgren Sir, yes, I know what you mean. I just posted the different services saying for the presentation of the flag to the family. It strikes me the same every time I heard it.
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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
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SFC Charles S.
SGT (Join to see) The great thing about good knowledge is, it is easy to share the wealth. I saw this and passed it along and somewhere you may have the chance to pass it along also.
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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.
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SFC Charles S.
SGM Mikel Dawson No problem... I'm glad it's getting some use. The VFW and American Legion use this a lot but Not all veterans are familiar with them. I was just hoping to pass along some good info. The Flag is special and I know exactly what you mean.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
SFC Charles Staley, Many will not understand the meaning of the flag to me. I never get to see it raised every day, at a sporting event, it's even against the law to fly it here unless I get permission from the police (yet I do anyway). I was in Idaho last July 4th to my class' 40th reunion. The town always has a celebration. There was a Marine Honor Guard present and I tell you, my eyes weren't dry. It felt great to stand at attention and give a salute!
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Thank You SFC Charles Staley. I am posting a copy of this on the bulletin board at My VFW Post for all to see
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SFC Charles S.
SGT Richard Ellis No problem. I hope that it helps. A lot of Veterans know, but those that don't will then continue to pass this information on. Thank you for helping pass it along.
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I like it, but I've heard other renditions at retirements. I really like "Old Glory".
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SFC Charles S.
SMSgt (Join to see) This rendition is from the American Legion, I have only hear a few of the folds mentioned slightly different but close. I would be interested to see the other possible versions.
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SMSgt (Join to see)
He's some of it:
I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up and see me!
I stand for peace – honor – truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident – I am resolved – I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher – my colors a little truer.
I am recognized all over the world. I am respected – I am loved and I am feared! And when attacked, my goal is victory.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf and a score of places long forgotten, by all but those who were there with me ... I was there!
I led my soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. I followed them and watched over them. They loved me.
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima, I was dirty, battle worn and tired. But my soldiers cheered me! And I was proud!
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of countries I have helped set free, but it does not hurt – for at least and at last, they are free!
I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up and see me!
I stand for peace – honor – truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident – I am resolved – I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher – my colors a little truer.
I am recognized all over the world. I am respected – I am loved and I am feared! And when attacked, my goal is victory.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf and a score of places long forgotten, by all but those who were there with me ... I was there!
I led my soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. I followed them and watched over them. They loved me.
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima, I was dirty, battle worn and tired. But my soldiers cheered me! And I was proud!
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of countries I have helped set free, but it does not hurt – for at least and at last, they are free!
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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.
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.
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SFC Charles S.
SGT Robert Scott Exactly, Tradition and symbolism of our Great Flag and Country. I like that you have a flag from your deployment to Iraq, I wish I could say I had one from Desert Storm, there were some there but it just didn't occur to me that it might be important one day. Great tribute for you to your fellow warriors and friends.
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