Meaning Behind the 13 Folds
- 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 veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our ...
What does the American flag actually stand for?
What does the American flag really stand for? The stars on the American flag represent the 50 states. ... The colors on the flag symbolize their own meaning. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor. White means innocence, and purity. And finally, blue stands for vigilance and justice, also perseverance. How do we honor the American flag?
Should we change the American flag?
Your flag should be retired prior to the fraying being 1.25 times the height of a single stripe on the flag. Fading of the colors on the flag. If your colors no longer look vibrant it is time to replace your American flag. Holes in the fabric of the American flag.
What does the American flag mean to Americans?
What is the American flag and what does it represent? For many Americans the flag represents freedom, pride, and justice. Our flag stands for freedom because of the many lives that had to be lost throughout history for us to be the nation we are today. The American flag stands for pride because of the many American soldiers men and women who lost their lives for us.
How many folds does the American flag have?
There are 13 folds in a folded American flag, with each fold representing one of the 13 colonies. Thanks! 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. Thanks! Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.
How many times does the American flag fold?
Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times to complete the ceremony. Much like every other aspect of our nation’s greatest symbol, each of the 13 folds holds a special significance. Flag etiquette dictates that every time an American flag is to be stored or presented during a ceremony, its handlers should fold it in half twice lengthwise;
How many folds does the US flag have?
The meaning behind the 13 folds of the United States Flag. If you’ve ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the U.S. flag that once draped the casket. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times to complete the ceremony. Much like every other aspect of our nation’s ...
Why is the third fold made?
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.
What does the fifth fold mean?
The fifth fold is an acknowledgement to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealign 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.
What does the 11th fold represent?
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.
What is the 6th fold?
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.
What does the flag fold symbolize?
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
What does the flag look like after it is folded?
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
What does the 13 folds of Old Glory mean?
The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory. Most Americans have seen the traditional folding of the American flag, at specific events, such as funerals. Have you ever wondered why Old Glory is folded that specific way? Much more than just pomp and circumstance, each of the 13 folds holds special meaning.
What is the 7th fold?
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.
Why is the flag lowered at the ceremony of retreat?
Armed Forces, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at a ceremony of reveille, flown high as a symbol of belief in the resurrection of the body.
Why is the third fold made?
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.
Where did the flag folding procedure originate?
The source and the date of origin of this Flag Folding Procedure is unknown. However, some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America while others to an Air Force chaplain stationed at the United States Air Force Academy.
Why do we refold the flag?
The initial decision to refold the flag came because the presentation box would not fare well on display. Although the box is just as important as the flag, we have to consider which materials will fare better on display, as both the box and flag are vulnerable to light damage at different rates.
What does a fold symbolize?
According to the description, some folds symbolize freedom, life, or pay tribute to mothers, fathers, and those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Why is the STS 107 flag in the museum?
This particular flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on February 1, 2003 as a tribute to the crew of STS-107, who died when the space shuttle Columbia was lost during re-entry at the end of its mission . It was donated to the Museum by Dennis Hastert, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, to honor the astronauts.
Why is the American flag on the Capitol?
Capitol on February 1, 2003 as a tribute to the crew of STS-107, who died that day when the Space Shuttle Columbia was lost during re-entry at the end of their mission.
Why is the Columbia flag important?
The flag will serve as a reminder of the heroes who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, and who paved the way for further space exploration . It will also serve as a reminder to Museum staff about how special objects take on new meaning as they are interpreted for public display.
What does the American flag mean?
The Meaning Behind Folding an American Flag. Posted on Dec 21, 2011. The American flag is one of the most important symbols of the United States. For many, it symbolizes respect, honor, and freedom. For others, the flag represents reflection, courage and sorrow. The National Air and Space Museum cares for a number of American flags in ...
Who flew the Gemini flag?
One was flown aboard Gemini 4 by NASA astronauts James McDivitt and Edward H. White in 1965. And the Museum has several replicas of the flag that was left on the Moon during the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969. Although each flag has a story that is worth telling, the care and preservation of these unique objects is also noteworthy.
What did the color guard do when they walked in carrying the flag?
However, when the color guard walked in carrying the American flag and the flags of the Armed Forces, Dole can be seen on camera waving for an aide. A young man jumped up and helped pull Dole upright, so that he could be standing during the honoring of the American flag.
What was the goal of the mission that Dole helped to lead?
The goal of the mission, which Dole helped to lead, was to overtake a hill near the Apennine Mountains. Advertisement - story continues below.
Who was the NFL player who received the Gold Medal?
Bob Dole was honored at the US Capitol today, and he sent the NFL a message. The World War II veteran, Senator and former presidential candidate received the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony that included Republican and Democrat leadership, the President and the Vice President.
How to fold the American flag?
Flag etiquette dictates that every time an American flag is to be stored or presented during a ceremony, its handlers should fold it in half twice lengthwise; then starting with the end opposite the blue field, make a taut triangular fold. Handlers continue to fold the flag in triangles until the flag has formed a triangular “pillow” with the blue field showing on the outside. It’s a dignified way to treat the flag, and gives a powerful touch to patriotic ceremonies.
Where did the 13 fold flag originate?
The source and the date of origin of this Flag Folding Procedure is unknown . However, some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America while others to an Air Force chaplain stationed at the United States Air Force Academy. Some sources also indicate that the 13 folds are a nod to the original first 13 colonies. The flag folding ceremony is provided as a patriotic service.
What is the 7th fold?
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.
How many times does the flag have to be folded at a military funeral?
flag that once draped the casket. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times to complete the ceremony. Much like every other aspect of our nation’s greatest symbol, each of the 13 folds holds a special significance.
Why is the third fold made?
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.
How many folds are there in the Patriot Guard Riders?
I’ve stood in honor of many U.S. veterans since 2006 as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders ( http://patrioguard.org ) . This is what I heard explained about the 13 folds. I can’t guarantee the truth, but here it is:
When displaying the colors with other flags, shall they be hoisted first and lowered last?
When displaying the Colors with other flags, they shall be hoisted first and lowered last. This again does honor to the Colors.
Why is the American flag not folded?
The American flag isn’t folded in this manner because each of the folds has a special symbolic meaning; the flag is folded this way because it provides a dignified ceremonial touch that distinguishes folding a flag from folding an ordinary object such as a bedsheet, and because it results a visually pleasing, easy-to-handle shape. This thirteen-fold procedure was a common practice long before the creation of a ceremonial assignation of “meaning” to each of the steps.
How many times is the flag folded?
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 next of kin at the burial of a veteran?
Why is the third fold made?
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.
What is the 7th fold?
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 Flag Itself
Meaning Behind The 13 Folds
- The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. 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...
After The Folding Ceremony
- After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marineswho served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enj…
VA Policy on Flag-Folding Recitation of "13-Fold" Ceremony
- To ensure burial services at the 143 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairsreflect the wishes of veterans and their families, VA officials have clarified the department's policy about recitations made while the U.S. flag is folded at the grave site of a veteran. "Honoring the burial wishes of veterans is one of the highest commitments for the men and women of VA," …
Want to Know More About The U.S. Military?
- Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. Military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.comand receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.