If you’ve attended a funeral honoring a veteran who served our country, perhaps you witnessed the folding of the flag that once covered the casket of a loved one. 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. The next morning, it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.”
- 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.
- The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
- The fifth fold is an acknowledgment 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.
- 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 an honor 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 10th 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 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.
- The 12th 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.
- The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Click here to watch an Honor Guard Team demonstration of proper flag folding. For more information click here.
Please fully research information before posting it as fact. The information is incorrect. http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.asp
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Hi, Pete! Thanks for reading our blog post, and thanks for the comment. Here is a more in-depth article on the flag-folding procedure and the meaning of the flag-folding program: https://www.legion.org/flag/folding. Each fold has come to represent each item listed here.
—Amie at ALA National Headquarters
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I’ve command an honor guard for many years. Seldom does a family ask for a recitation. There are many out there the easiest one is on the American Legion website but thet will you that they don’t know where they came from. The Army preference is silence.
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While I appreciate the sentiment, it does not change the fact that the meanings that a Pastor (accepted assumption) attributed to the flag folds outside of the actual Federal Statute.
While the American Legion may have blogged an article that is not a fact based reference. At this point you are spreading misinformation that is not part of Flag Statute or Protocol.
It would be more appropriate to disclose that the meanings are “unofficial”.
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I think the 13th folding of the flag is beautiful and our flag is beautiful in our country as well
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While I appreciate the sentiment, it does not change the fact that the meanings that a Pastor (accepted assumption) attributed to the flag folds outside of the actual Federal Statute.
While the American Legion may have blogged an article that is not a fact based reference. At this point you are spreading misinformation that is not part of Flag Statute or Protocol.
It would be more appropriate to disclose that the meanings are “unofficial”.
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LOL – Arguing with the American Legion — What a special snowflake. Hand Salute to all those, and to the families of those whom passed away.
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I thank The men and women who made this country a wonderful place to live in I think Them from the bottom of my heart forthe job they did . Making this country what it is today
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[…] their visit to the House chamber, VVA members conducted the 13 Folds of the U.S. Flag Ceremony — a flag folding ceremony performed at funeral services of the men and women who have served our […]
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I’m glad to know that the recitation is a modern addition to the folding ceremony. I had mixed feelings about parts of the recitation that didn’t seem fully in line with the American spirit I know and love. Honestly, I consider it a form of disrespect for citizens to request a self-styled recitation as part of the flag folding ceremony. A patriotic ceremony should be something that represents the American spirit, it should be standardised, and it should be established as a long term tradition so that the ceremony may connect us as Americans through the generations.
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I’m glad I looked this up I never knew what each fold meant thank you !!
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Late in life but, I love learning about the folds of our great flag. God continues to bless America. Our flag continues to represent America with honor and grace.
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Is a gratuity expected for the guards from the family after the ceremony?
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Gratuity is not expected. Thanks for the question!
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When I go to join our Lord and Savior – I want the 13 Folds read aloud.
Navy Chief, Navy Pride!!
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The folding of the flag for my husband was so moving and beautiful. I thank the Navy for a wonderful ceremony
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thanks
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Beautiful and so many years later tears and prayers.
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For God and America a heartfelt THANK YOU too all Veterans of all forces of the USA.
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When they gave me the folded flag I’ll never forget. My 14 year old son played taps at him mememorial
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what are the official meanings?
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My Dad passed away recently and we had the honor of witnessing the folding of the Flag as well as the 21 gun salute and the playing of TAPS. These thing have always had meaning to me; however, they are even more special to me now. I will always link my Fathers memory when I witness any of these.
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It does not matter to me if the current meaning of the folds of the flag are official or unofficial. I think the meaning is absolutely beautiful and so does represent the Spirit of the American people, maybe not all, but plenty enough to warrant its attachment to the ceremony. Thank you for sharing this, thank you for all Veterans service, and God Bless America!
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