The American Flag
The Meaning of the 13 Folds




The American flag the meaning of the 13 folds has been seen at many special ceremonies throughout history. The flag is carefully and precisely folded . Each fold represents a special meaning along with a message that every American should be aware of.

Not only do we show honor to our flag at special ceremonies, our flag returns that honor and pays respect to it's American citizens in many ways.

I have attended many funerals of veterans and witnessed the folding of the flag, I never realized the American flag the meaning of the 13 folds represented a special ceremony of our country, along with our mothers, fathers, military, and the trust our country is founded on.



The Ceremony
Folding The American Flage 13 Times



The American flag, the meaning of the 13 folds ceremony represents the same religious principles which our country was originally founded.

The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

American Flag folded in case

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat 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 morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of refeille, run aloft symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.


A Sacred Message For All



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 who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

The forth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizins 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 the 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, on nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through our 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, 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 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 eye, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of Christian citizen, represents and emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, remind of us our national motto, "In God We Trust."




Inspection of The American Flag



After the American flag is 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.

Visit The Wall That Heals in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and honor those that have died for our country.

Read the heart touching story of a civil war soldier that found the musical notes and lyrics to "Taps" on the battlefield.

There aren't many WWI Vets left to tell their story. Read about his memories.




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