Johnston-Blessman Post 38

FLAG ETIQUETTE

When to Display your Flag

The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather permits, especially on:

  • New Year's Day, January 1
  • Inauguration Day, January 20
  • Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, third Monday in January
  • Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
  • Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
  • National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29
  • Easter Sunday (variable)
  • Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
  • Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day (half-staff until noon*), the last Monday in May
  • Flag Day, June 14
  • Fathers Day, third Sunday in June
  • Independence Day, July 4
  • National Koren War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27
  • Labor Day, first Monday in September
  • Constitution Day, September 17
  • Columbus Day, second Monday in October
  • Navy Day, October 27
  • Veterans Day, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day, December 25

 

  • Other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United State 
  • *Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates.
    Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
    State and Local Holidays.
For additional information on the Flag Code, please visit here: United States Flag Code | The American Legion 
 
 
 
Folding the Flag
 

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1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field.
2. Then fold it in half again.
3. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge forming a triangle.
4. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
5. When you get near the end - nothing but the blue field showing - tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.
 

WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES.
 

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals the honor guard (Scarlet Guard Honor Guard) pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Each fold of the U.S. flag has an important meaning. 

  1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
  2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
  3. 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.
  4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
  5. 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.”
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
  10. 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 he or she was first-born.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust."
Folding The American Flag and The Meaning Behind It

 

Page Updated: 25 January 2024