Folding a flag correctly is an important way to show respect for the flag and what it represents. There is a specific procedure for properly folding both the American flag and flags of other nations. With some practice, anyone can learn how to fold a flag the right way.
Why Folding a Flag Matters
Folding a flag neatly and precisely shows care and respect for the flag. A neatly folded flag also takes up less space for storage and looks uniform when displayed.
The technique used to fold a flag is meant to symbolize different aspects of the nation’s heritage. Folding the flag carefully according to an established procedure honors the flag’s significance. Rushing through the process or failing to follow the proper steps demonstrates disregard for the values the flag represents.
Taking the time to correctly fold the flag demonstrates discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail – all values the flag symbolizes for many people. Respectfully folding a flag is a way to honor those who have fought to defend the nation’s ideals. Handling the flag properly shows pride in the country’s history.
How to Fold the American Flag
The proper technique for folding an American flag into a triangular shape is as follows:
Gather 2 People
Folding the flag correctly takes teamwork. 2 people standing on either side of the flag makes the process easier. If you are folding the flag alone, spread the flag out fully on a flat surface first.
Start with the Folded Edge
Begin with the flag folded in half lengthwise, with the lower striped section folded over the blue star field. Most American flags come already folded this way when new. The folded edge should be nearest you and your partner, running from left to right.
Make a Triangle Fold
Have the other person hold the left corner of the folded edge in place. Take the upper fly end (top right corner) of the flag and bring it down to meet the folded edge, making a triangle.
The triangle’s point should match up with the left corner of the folded edge. Run your hands along the width to crease the fold. Your partner should continue holding the bottom left corner in place.
Keep Folding the Triangle
Have your partner fold their right corner (along the folded edge) exactly over the original triangle fold.
Take the new fly end (bottom right corner) and bring it up tightly to meet the folded edge again, making another triangle parallel to the first. Again, crease the fold neatly.
Repeat the Triangular Folds
Continue this pattern – your partner folding their side in, and you folding up a triangle from the fly end. Keep the folds as even and tight as possible.
Make a total of 13 triangular folds, alternating sides. This ensures the proper symbolic sequence is complete.
Tuck the Exposed Edge Inside
After the 13th triangle, there will be a portion of the fly end still exposed. Tuck this remaining flap tightly inside the folds to secure it.
Fold the outer edges in
Once the end is tucked, bring the angled outer edges in neatly to meet in the middle, hiding all of the red stripes.
Your partner should mirror your folds on their side. The completeness of the triangular tucks and tightness of the overall folds are important.
Complete the Fold
Your partner should continue holding their end securely. Fold the entire flag in half lengthwise again, bringing the remaining open edge up to meet the top.
Straighten out any ruffles in the folds. Your flag should now be in the shape of a snug, triangular blue field with the stars facing out.
Folding Other National Flags
Flags of other nations often have their own unique folding procedures based on cultural traditions or protocol. Always research how to correctly fold a specific country’s flag before displaying or storing it. Some tips:
- United Kingdom – The Union Jack is folded diagonally from the hoist side, then folded diagonally again into a triangle.
- Canada – Fold the maple leaf flag in half lengthwise 3 times instead of the triangular method.
- Germany – Make a cylinder lengthwise by bringing one side over, then fold up tightly from the fly end into a flat triangle.
- France – Fold the French tricolor vertically, then horizontally, then diagonally both ways into a triangular silhouette.
- Italy – The Italian flag is folded into squared corners, with the green section visible on one side and red and white stripes on the other.
- Israel – Fold the Israeli flag like a tall rectangle, with all elements showing evenly and the Star of David at the top.
Always fold any flag neatly with care and precision. Researching cultural flag etiquette shows respect for other nations.
Storing a Folded Flag
After folding a flag with a partner, avoid letting it touch the ground. One person can grasp the flag firmly to transfer and store it.
Proper storage helps a folded flag maintain its shape and prevent damage:
- Place inside a display case out of direct sunlight if displaying long-term.
- Store in a dry, cool area away from heat sources if not displaying.
- Refold flags if they become loose and ruffled in storage.
- Consider archival plastic if storing a historical or delicate heirloom flag.
- Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew.
- Prevent stretching by not tightly packing other items on top of a folded flag.
With careful folding and storage methods, a flag can maintain its dignity for many years. Passing down properly cared for flags can create meaningful family keepsakes.
When to Fold a Flag
Familiar occasions involving respectful flag folding include:
Folding a Flag for Storage
Carefully fold a flag at the end of display to protect and prolong its life in storage. Make sure no part of the flag touches the ground while folding.
Funerals
At military and public servant funerals, honor guards expertly fold the flag draped over a casket into a triangle to present to the family of the deceased.
Retirement
Flags that are damaged or faded are folded one final time during a retirement ceremony to honor a flag’s service before proper disposal.
Flag Exchange Ceremonies
Jamborees and campouts often include flag exchange ceremonies where the current flag is folded up and replaced with a new flag as participants watch.
Flag Day
June 14th recognizes the adoption of the American flag. Celebrants may fold flags on this day to demonstrate ideal handling techniques.
Memorial Day
Volunteers fold multiple flags left at graves on Memorial Day to store them neatly until the next year’s commemoration.
Other Patriotic Holidays
Veterans Day, the Fourth of July, and other national holidays are fitting times to properly fold flags on display.
Folding a flag at significant moments shows respect for the nation and patriotic ideals. With practice, anyone can learn proper flag etiquette.
Folding the Flag Step-By-Step
Follow this step-by-step guide for correctly folding an American flag:
Step 1
Start with two people standing on either side of the flag, which should be folded in half lengthwise already with the stars facing up.
Step 2
Have one person hold the corner of the folded edge in place. Take the far end and bring it to meet the folded edge, making a triangle.
Step 3
The other person should now fold their side’s corner over onto the first triangle.
Step 4
Take the remaining corner and bring it to meet the edge again, making a second triangle parallel to the first.
Step 5
Repeat steps 3 and 4, alternating sides to create 13 total triangular folds. Make sure the folds are tight and even.
Step 6
After the 13th fold, tuck the remaining exposed edge tightly inside previous folds.
Step 7
Fold the outer angled edges in neatly to meet in the middle, hiding the red stripes.
Step 8
Fold the flag in half lengthwise again from bottom to top. Straighten any ruffles.
Step 9
Carefully transfer the folded flag to storage without letting it touch the ground.
With two people working in sync, the 13 folds to create a neat triangle can be done smoothly. Consistent practice helps perfect the flag folding technique.
Tips for Proper Flag Folding
Follow these useful tips when learning how to fold a flag correctly:
- Go slowly, keep folds tight, and work in unison with your partner. Rushing leads to messy folds.
- Keep the flag from touching the ground throughout the process. Unfold and begin again if the flag drops.
- Count out loud to ensure you make the 13 triangular folds required. Missing folds can cause uneven shaping.
- Alternate which side makes the fold each time – this helps distribute fabric evenly.
- Crease folds sharply by running your hand firmly along them. Crisp folds stay in place.
- For storage, choose a cool, dry area away from direct light to prevent damaging the folded flag.
- If a fold comes loose, refold the flag neatly and uniformly again. Loosely folded flags become damaged over time.
- When in doubt, look up specific folding instructions for the type of flag you are handling. Different countries often have unique procedures.
Proper folding technique comes with practice. Staying focused, working carefully, and handling the folded flag with respect allows for improvement.
How to Fold a Flag the Right Way FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about correctly folding flags:
Why are there 13 folds to the American flag?
The 13 folds represent the 13 original American colonies that came together to form the United States. The triangular shape also recalls the tricorn hats worn during the Revolutionary War era.
How do you fold a flag when putting it away?
When storing a flag, first neatly fold lengthwise, then into tight triangles starting at the fly end. Tuck remaining fabric away and make final folds along the width to end with a dignified blue field showing.
Can you wash an American flag?
Flags can be gently washed by hand in cool water using a mild detergent. Make sure to thoroughly dry the flag out of direct sunlight. Excessive machine washing can damage delicate fabric.
What is the proper way to destroy an American flag?
Damaged or unserviceable flags should be burned or buried during a respectful retirement ceremony. Make sure no part of the flag touches the ground during disposal.
How should you fold the American flag before presenting it to a veteran’s family?
The flag should be folded into a tight triangle with only the blue star field visible. Honor guards use a dignified 13-step procedure to remove and fold a flag from a casket before presenting it as a keepsake.
What is the penalty for mishandling a U.S. flag?
Though policies discourage misuse, there are no enforceable federal penalties for improperly handling a flag. However, all states have laws protecting the flag from desecration during public protests or demonstrations.
Treating the flag properly demonstrates American ideals like respect, patriotism, and remembrance. Honoring the flag’s significance brings people together.
Conclusion
Folding a flag correctly takes practice, coordination, and care. But learning proper technique is worth the effort to show respect.
With a few key tips in mind and repeated tries, anyone can consistently perform ideal flag folds. Folder should work together carefully to keep the flag off the ground and make crisp, even triangles.
Knowing when and how to fold different flags demonstrates maturity and discipline. Passing along properly folded flags becomes a touching gesture for families or units.
Though folding a flag precisely requires some work, the process instills shared pride. Trekking the care to handle the meaningful symbol appropriately honors a nation’s spirit and sacrifices.