Flag Folding
Flag Folding Procedures
and
Symbols
Although
there are no Flag Code provisions requiring any particular method, the
traditional method of folding the flag is outlined here.
Tradition also sets the meaning of the flag folds along with actual program for folding the flag.
(A) Straighten out the flag to full length and fold lengthwise once.
(B)
Fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge, making sure
that the union of stars on the blue field remains outward in full view.
(A large flag may have to be folded lengthwise a third time.)
(C) A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge.
(D) The outer point is then turned inward, parallel with the open edge, to form a second triangle. 
(E)
The diagonal or triangular folding is continued toward the blue union
until the end is reached, with only the blue showing and the form being
that of a cocked (three corner) hat.
The Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance"
(I promise to be true)
"to the flag"
(to the symbol of our country)
"of the United States of America"
(each state that has joined to make our country)
"and to the Republic"
(a republic is a country where the people choose others to make laws for them -- the government is for the people)
"for which it stands,"
(the flag means the country)
"one Nation"
(a single country)
"under God,"
(the people believe in a supreme being)
"indivisible,"
(the country cannot be split into parts)
"with liberty and justice"
(with freedom and fairness)
"for all."
(for each person in the country...you and me!)
The pledge says you are promising to be true to the United States of America! |
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Symbols for the folds of the Flag
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold
is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks,
and who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain
peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents
our weaker nature; for 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.
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 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 to honor our mother, for whom it flies
on Mother’s Day.
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.
The tenth 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.
The eleventh 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.
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 Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national 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
served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who
served 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. | |
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Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1
As Adopted by the
National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., June 14-15, 1923, and
Revised and Endorsed by the Second National Flag Conference,
Washington, D.C., May 15, 1924. Revised and adopted at P.L. 623, 77th
Congress, Second Session, June 22, 1942; as Amended by P.L. 829, 77th
Congress, Second Session, December 22, 1942; P.L. 107 83rd Congress,
1st Session, July 9, 1953; P.L. 396, 83rd Congress, Second Session,
June 14, 1954; P.L. 363, 90th Congress, Second Session, June 28, 1968;
P.L. 344, 94th Congress, Second Session, July 7, 1976; P.L. 322, 103rd
Congress, Second Session, September 13, 1994; P.L. 225, 105th Congress,
Second Session, August 12, 1998; P.L. 80, 106th Congress, First
Session, October 25, 1999; P.L. 110-41, 110th Congress, First Session,
June 29, 2007; P.L. 110-181, 110th Congress, Second Session, January
28, 2008; and P.L. 110-417, 110th Congress, Second Session, October 14,
2008. |
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Guyer-Carignan Post 22
