Table of Contents
Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.
Why can’t red show on a folded flag?
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 is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.
Why is a flag folded 13 times?
This is what the 13 folds mean: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and tribute 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.
Is it disrespectful to fold a flag wrong?
Don’t hang your flag backwards, upside down, or in another inappropriate fashion. If you’re hanging your flag vertically (like from a window or against a wall), the Union portion with the stars should go on the observer’s left. Never dip the flag to any person or anything.
What are 3 things you should never do to the flag?
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
Why do they put 3 bullets in the flag?
Typically three fired cartridges are placed into the folded flag prior to presentation to the next of kin; the cartridges signify “duty, honor, and sacrifice.”.
How many folds do you need to fold an American flag?
Each of the 13 folds of the flag holds great significance. At the ceremony of retreat, a daily observance at bases during which all personnel pay respect to the flag, “the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead.
Can you fly a flag that has been on a casket?
May a person, other than a veteran, have his or her casket draped with the flag of the United States? Yes. Although this honor is usually reserved for veterans or highly regarded state and national figures, the Flag Code does not prohibit this use.
Can you display a tattered American flag?
Can You Fly a Tattered American Flag? The short answer is “no,” flags that display tears or appear worn down in a significant way should not be hoisted under any circumstances, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Is The Thin Blue Line flag disrespectful?
The police chief had stated that the symbol was intended as “a memorial to police officers killed serving their community”. However one trustee noted that “this patch is considered racist by many regardless of what the intent is”.
Is it disrespectful to fly a flag on a truck?
Both options are considered acceptable and respectful, however, draping a real flag over your vehicle in any other way is considered disrespectful to the flag.
Can you leave flag out in rain?
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.
Is it OK to leave a flag out overnight?
According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.
What side of the house do you hang an American flag?
The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.
Do you stand during taps at a funeral?
When taps is played during military funerals, military members will render a salute from the beginning until the conclusion of the song. Civilians should place their right hand over their heart during this time.
What do they say when they present the flag at a military funeral?
“On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.” line of duty, the family receives one flag provided by the VA.
Who gets 21-gun salute at funeral?
Today, the U.S. military fires a 21-gun salute in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the president, ex-presidents and president-elect of the United States.
How many stars should show on a folded flag?
How many stars should show on a properly folded flag? A proper flag fold should have 4 stars pointing up on one side and 6 doing so on the other side.
What do you do if a flag touches the ground?
Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground.
What do the different folds of a flag mean?
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.
