WHY THE FLAG IS FOLDED THIRTEEN TIMES.

Email | 10/15 | Email

[YOMO]

Why The American Flag Is Folded 13 Times

Have you ever noticed on TV or a military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran. Here it is:

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 American 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 to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the 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 the 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 last and most important fold is 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 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.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks and now you will know why.

I just you would like to know WHY.

[tje]

Sorry, but I don't buy it..

[meisterbrewer]

Sounds good, but I doubt this has any basis in fact. More likely was thought up by someone recently and emailed out.

Lots of holes in this, anyway. For instance, if I'm not mistaken, Jews did not begin to come to America until the latter part of the 1800's, long after we had gone through several flags with 13 stripes and begun to fold it 13 times. So why would there be an 11th fold thrown in for a Hebrew citizen?

I would be willing to bet that the real reason there are 13 folds is because that is how many it takes to fold it. Sometimes the simplest answer is the best one.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Great article. I am curious. Once a flag is folded what should be done with it? Is there a way to preserve it. Would it be disrespectful or wrong to ever fly it again? Thanks for any information you could offer.

[Pyro7480]

There have been Jewish communities in America since colonial times, particularly in Newport, RI, Savannah, GA, and Philadelphia.

[In mourning for six years]

...It should be taught in our public schools daily. Should be, but it won't be!

[meisterbrewer]

My bad. I see after a quick search that some began to immigrate as early as 1640's. Still, the explanation of the 13 folds seems a little to suspicious to believe.

[Fiddlstix]

Bump
To read later

[Barnacle]

I don't know what flag you're looking at. But, my American flag has seven red stripes, 13 total.

[A Marine]

In fact, this is the Uniformed Services Flag Folding Ceremony. Yomo has it wrong only in the fact that the Flag Folding Ceremony does not call for 13 folds, only that When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

A google search will bring up 3,300+ sites dealing with the Flag Folding Ceremony or you can view it here, a slideshow I put together in May, 2000.

A Marine

[Jennifer in Florida]

Sounds good, but I doubt this has any basis in fact. More likely was thought up by someone recently and emailed out.

No, it's for real. Check it out: Here's a link, from the US Air Force Academy website Flag Folding Ceremony Or click here ~~> Flag Folding Ceremony

[stylin19a]

This information ( except for the goofy reason for the 21 gun salute) is on the United States Air Force Academy web site here ---> USAFA FLAG FOLDING.
I ain't gunna argue with the UASFA.

[Jennifer in Florida]

My father, a veteran who served in Korea during the Pueblo incident, just died in July and this ceremony was so beautiful. The honor guard that had performed it were in tears as they handed the flag to my mom :(

[ken in texas]

I'll offer this URL from the Directorate of Protocol at the Air Force Academy:

http://www.usafa.af.mil/ccp/flagfold.htm.

[DennisR]

I also thought it was somewhat suspicious, but found this link: Folding the Flag. But even better is this one, which the previous links references: Folding the Flag--US Air Force Website. I had absolutely no idea about this and have never heard anyone discuss it before. Wow. I am amazed.

[jackbill]

I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776),

How long have you known that? Seems that you're probably wrong. Check out:

http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/faq/salute.htm

One paragraph:

The 21-gun salute became the highest honor a nation rendered. Varying customs among the maritime powers led to confusion in saluting and return of salutes. Great Britain, the world's preeminent seapower in the 18th and 19th centuries, compelled weaker nations to salute first, and for a time monarchies received more guns than did republics. Eventually, by agreement, the international salute was established at 21 guns, although the United States did not agree on this procedure until August 1875.

[opinionator]

Why The American Flag Is Folded 13 Times?

Because America is the 'Great Satan!'

[BaBaStooey]

When I was a younger man the VFW gave a demonstration on flag etiquette at my grade school and they mentioned the 13 reasons you just stated. Great post, Thanks

[BaBaStooey]

The original Queen Anne Flag of the US Colonies was a red field. The 6 white stripes were added to break the field up. I guess there are 7 red stripes. The resulting Grand Union Flag was flown first by General Washington on 2 Jan 1776. It wasn't until Flag Day in 1777 that the 13 starred flag was created by an act of the Continental Congress.

There is no known reason why this was done, other than to create a different flag to fight under during the revolution.


Queen Anne Flag or Red Ensign


Grand Union Flag


Betsy Ross Flag

[tje]

Okay, the Air Force has a lot more credibility with me than someone's email. Thanks for the heads up.