About 5 years ago, chaplains included the script in army spiritual fitness. Just the awesomeness of what the true meaning is, makes me more proud of our service men and women and our country, our flag of freedom, and no matter what problems our country faces, it is still the best. 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. How to as an army and navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Colonel timothy vaughn, commander of the army cadets of california, a 10th anniversary observance of the 911 attacks on america was held last sunday at crockett park in oakley, california with a military foldingoftheflag ceremoney. A straighten out the flag to full length and fold lengthwise once. An american flag drapes the casket of deceased veterans to honor the memory of their service to their country. To properly fold the flag, begin by holding it waisthigh with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground. Unpublished guidance allows for unofficial flagfolding. Thanks for reading our blog post, and thanks for the comment. After the first pair of students has successfully followed the folding directions, ask two or three additional student pairs to. Unpublished guidance allows for unofficial flagfolding script video captures a retired u. Flagfolding in military freedom from religion foundation. I did read somewhere a theory that says because the us doesnt have a royal family and the president is just another politician ie hated by 50% of the population by definition, they use the flag and the anthem as their sacred historic symbols that dont actually mean anything, but create a.
Flag fold meaning flag fold meaning youve seen it perhaps youve wondered. Folding the american flag brookhaven national laboratory. Most pictures are thumbnails small size so please click them to get an enlarged image. They hold bottom and top, edges together, securely. Always take special care so that no part of the flag touches the ground. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks. The folded flag foundation is a nonprofit organization that enlists the publics financial support for families of those fallen heroes who have lost their lives as a result of hostile action. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night. Almost 10 years ago, in response to maaf complaints about similar representations of the christian flag folding ceremony as official, the air force published a new protocol regulation with an official script.
Mar 16, 2015 the meaning of the folding of the american flag that is described in this erumor is not without importance, but it is not official and not required. The national flag foundation recommends that this ceremony be read prior to the actual folding of the 5 x 912 casket flag. The meaning behind folding an american flag national air. C then starting from the striped end, a triangular fold is started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. The american flag is one of the most important symbols of the united states. 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 mothers day. Jun 14, 20 flag day meaning of folding the flag times marie coppola june 14, 20 on flag day, june 14th, several sir knights had the privilege and honor to participate in a flag retirement ceremony that was being held at our local vfw post. Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you. Begin reading as honor guard or flag detail is coming forward. Sep 9, 2016 folding the american flag into a triangle gives unique honor and respect to the flag. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red top and bottom alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton referred to specifically as the union bearing fifty small, white, fivepointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. Flag code and no other laws that directly relate to that issue.
Disabled american veterans adjutant louann coates, dav commander scott haugh, and owner of the all veterans signiture truck roger wilson fold. There is no reference to the meaning of the folds of the american flag in the u. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. I have decided to make a simple pictorial guide to help new donors add the v7 slot options. Armed forces ceremony of retreat at night when the american flag is lowered and the ceremony of reveille that is performed when the american flag is raised the morning as symbol of the resurrection of. The folds of the american flag the meaning behind each.
All donations go directly to the qualifying families in need 100%. Flag presentation protocol brochure military onesource. Flag if you are considering transport, displaying, or presenting the u. Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means. Air force backtracks on official flagfolding script regulation. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge forming a triangle. Raising and lowering the american flag the drillmaster. Fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. The second fold is a symbol of our belief the eternal life. Correct method of folding the united states flag a fold the lower striped section of the flag over the blue field. The meaning behind the folds of the united states flag the. The meaning of the folding of the american flagtruth.
The flagfolding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. There are several scripts that federal agencies offer a veterans family at their request, or words they would prefer to be read, during the folding of the american flag at the funeral of their loved one. Meaning of flag folding program the flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. W, defined further down this lecture for single layer folds, the multilayer behaves mechanically as a series of single layers. Folden definition is archaic past participle of fold.
Va bans flag folding ceremony because of reference to god. It seems that the us has a great deal more reverence for its flag than most other contries. When your flag isnt on display, fold it into a traditional triangle shape and store in a safe place to show your respect. How to fold the american flag folding the flag how to. Little known significance of flag folding ceremony revealed rev. The american legion states on its website that the meaning of the flag folding ceremony is based on religious principles. Nov 12, 2012 disabled american veterans adjutant louann coates, dav commander scott haugh, and owner of the all veterans signiture truck roger wilson fold the american flag and tell the meaning behind each fold. If youve ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the u. It is known that it is folded in a manner that adds dignity and respect to the flag. The flag of the united states of america, often referred to as the american flag or u. Folded edge is then folded over to meet the open edge. The meaning of the folding of the american flag that is described in this erumor is not without importance, but it is not official and not required. As we revealed in our blog post how to fold your american flag, the origins of the widely accepted flag folding procedure is unknown.
Flagfolding fight questions interpretation of air force. A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge. New flagfolding script focuses on history, af significance. The reason for the flag folding it ways should be taught in school along with the pledge. The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a. Jun 23, 2016 however, when a flag folding ceremony is desired and conducted by air force personnel at any location, on or off an installation, this script is the only one that may be used, the afi states. One of the two halyard bearers attaches the american flag to the clasps, the flag bearer only unfolds the triangle folds, and holds it in his arms. Oct 30, 2019 wikihow is a wiki, similar to wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are cowritten by multiple authors. Public law 94344, known as the federal flag code, is the law of the land regarding the handling and displaying of the american flag. Folds are often drawn as cylindrical structures, meaning that the fold axis is a straight line which, when moved parallel to itself, generates any single fold of the. B fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge, making sure that the union of stars on the blue field remains outward in full view. Flag ceremony the first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The folds of the american flag the meaning behind each fold.
American center for law and justice is a dba for christian advocates serving evangelism, inc. Air force backtracks on official flagfolding script. B from the folded edge then fold again over to meet the open edge. For many, it symbolizes respect, honor, and freedom. Do nations other than the us have specific protocols for. The development of the american flag flag borne on the main mast of the mayflower. American flagfolding procedures the american legion. Then they fold the flag again, lengthwise, folded edge to open edge. It is best to use two people when folding the flag. This custom of special folding is reserved for the united states flag alone. Below youll find more information on how to fold the american flag.
To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Start by holding the flag parallel to the ground, at waistlevel, making sure to keep it nice and taut. Jun 12, 2015 when folding the flag, be mindful of each fold published 6. 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.
The flag folding ceremony described by the uniformed services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like memorial day or veterans day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies. Unofficial christian flag folding being represented as. The custom of flag folding listed below is reserved for the us flag alone. Outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle. However, when a flag folding ceremony is desired and conducted by air force personnel at any location, on or off an installation, this script is the only one that may be used, the afi states. Have you ever wondered what each of the folds represents. With the flag unfolded, fold the flag in half lengthwise so that the points of the flag are aligned. 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. Flag folding ceremony the meaning of each fold we the kids. Holding the flag so that the side with the blue square is toward the ground, fold the flag in half again lengthwise. This type of fold is mainly used for brochures, postcards and i actually saw some creative business cards with half fold as well. To avoid having the flag touch the ground it is necessary for at least two people to fold the flag together.
It is handled carefully and folded reverently, as a sign of respect. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The flag that only has stars is because there were only colonies in the untied states. I was part of the folding team, and before each fold, our team leader read the following so that all in attendance understood the significance of this ceremony. The american flag went through a long process before they finally liked the current flag. Little known significance of flag folding ceremony revealed. The traditional method of folding the flag is as follows. Air force sergeant being forcibly removed from a ceremony at travis air force base video still.
C a triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped. When folding the flag, be mindful of each fold published 6. On the first note of music, the two team members on the halyard, briskly raise the flag while the one pulling counts the number of times hes pulling the flag up. Two persons facing each other, hold the flag waist high and horizontally between them. For others, the flag represents reflection, courage and sorrow. Refer to the apply tab for qualification information. Keep folding triangles, making sure you keep a 90 angle and your folds are smooth. 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. The correct way to fold a flag depends on the flag you are.
The national air and space museum cares for a number of american flags in the smithsonian institutions. Jun 16, 2017 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 mothers day. The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. Colonel hudspath said that was the primary motive for creating a new flagfolding script. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a. Fold the flag in half lengthwise, crossing the red stripes over the top of the blue square and stars. Fold the flag in half lengthwise a second time to form a long.
Our intent was to move away from giving meaning, or appearing to give meaning, to the folds of the flag and to just speak to the importance of the flag in u. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is. An explanation of what the flag folding ceremony represents. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded. Here is a more in depth article on the flagfolding procedure and the meaning of. Ct june, 2015 two things within a week that we should pay attention to and pay tribute to. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing rank, who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The general assembly hereby establishes a recommended procedure for the folding of the state flag by two people. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. A battle over a flagfolding speech on travis air force base has raised questions not only about referencing god and prayer in military ceremonies, but also where military control ends and an. Wolf, flag folding ceremony meaning of each fold youtube star spangled banner as youve never heard it duration. Simple instructions for folding the flag can be found at folding the flag. This custom of special flag folding is reserved for the united states of america flag alone.
Invite two students using a real flag, if possible to read and demonstrate the steps involved in correctly folding a u. 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 firstborn. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Home american flag folding the meaning of the folds american flag folding the meaning of the folds. They fold the lower striped section, lengthwise, over the blue field.
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