The Thirteen Folds of Our Flag

Have you ever wondered why the Flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow or family member at the burial of a Veteran? Here is why!

The FIRST fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The SECOND fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The THIRD 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.

The FOURTH fold represents our weaker nature, for as Americans 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.

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".

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.

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 her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

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 honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The NINETH fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The TENTH fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The ELEVENTH fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen 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.

The TWELFTH 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 Spirit.

The THIRTEENTH fold. 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 under General George Washington, and the sailors and Marines serving 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.

 

The folding of the U.S. Flag into the shape of a triangle is one of the customary ways that the Flag is treated with unique respect and honor. Detailed information regarding the inception of flag folding has not been discovered, though National Flag Foundation, the Naval Library, the Institute of Heraldry and several other sources have searched for documentation regarding this practice.  National Flag Foundation and Dr. Harold Langley, former curator at the Smithsonian Institution, theorize that the practice probably started during World War I when patriotism was high and the United States Flag was universally embraced as a national symbol. 
 
In consequence of this patriotic fervor and the increased use of the Flag, a conference of veterans' organizations and patriotic associations was convened in Washington, DC. in 1923 to write a code of etiquette for the flag.  The intent of the code was to establish traditions related to the Flag which would ensure that it was treated with respect by all Americans, including the many immigrants coming into the country at that time.
 
Subsequent commentaries related to flag etiquette began to contain references to the code and to the symbolic folding of the Flag as well.  One such commentary, written by James A. Moss in his definitive book, The Flag of the United States, its History and Symbolism, was published in
1930.  Moss wrote:
 
"In the Army when, each day, the Flag is lowered at the last note of retreat, the greatest care is taken that no part shall touch the ground.  The Flag is carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, reminiscent of the hats worn by the soldiers who fought the War of the Revolution and won American independence.  In the folding the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of the night."  Moss, p.105.
 
George F. Cahill, former President of National Flag Foundation, provides further clarification regarding the symbolic folding:
"I ascribe the fold as a salute to the tri-color itself, - the three colors, the tri-sided hat of the colonial soldiers and the colonists in general.  I further use other things of three related to the nation and to heraldry inclusive of: the three branches of the national government; the three
primary documents of our land - The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights; and the West Point motto (duty, honor, country).  When meeting with scouts, one can relate the fold to the three points of the scout oath and to the tri-points of the fleur de lis."

Another thought is the three points of the tri-sided fold could be in reference to the Bible - Father,  Son & the Holy Spirit.

United States Marine Corps Core Values are:
Honor, Courage & Commitment
                                                    

The next time you see a Flag Ceremony Honoring someone that has served our country honorably, either in the Armed Services or in civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement of folding Our Flag.
            They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our country.

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