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:
Federally observed dates of the below holidays may differ from the actual dates.
Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
| New Years’s Day | January 1st |
| Inauguration Day | |
| Martin Luther King | Third Monday in January |
| Lincoln’s Birthday | |
| Washington’s Birthday | February 22nd |
| Easter Sunday | |
| Mother’s Day | Second Sunday in May |
| Armed Forces Day | Third Saturday in May |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Flag Day | June 14th |
| Independence Day | July 4th |
| Labor Day | 1st Monday in May |
| Constitution Day | September 17th |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Navy Day | |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25th |
| Election Days | Various |
Folding the Flag
- Begin with the flag fully extended, held horizontally and parallel to the ground.
- Fold the flag in half lengthwise, so the stripes are on the outside and the union (blue field with stars) is on the inside.
- Starting at the striped end, bring the lower striped corner up to the open edge, forming a right triangle.
- Continue folding the flag into a triangle by repeatedly bringing the striped edge to the open edge. Each fold creates a new triangular segment.
- Repeat the folding process until only the blue field and stars are visible.
- Tuck the remaining loose end into the folds to secure it.
Why the American Flag is Folded 13 Times
The American flag is folded 13 times during a flag-folding ceremony for a specific reason. Each of the 13 folds has a symbolic meaning and represents different aspects of the United States and its history:
- The first fold is a symbol of life.
- The second fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
- 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 our country to attain peace throughout the world.
- The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time 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 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 her enemies, whether they are 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, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
- 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 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 eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- 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 Spirit.
- When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”.
It’s important to note that this 13-fold ceremony is not an official part of the United States Flag Code, but rather a tradition observed at many flag-folding ceremonies to pay respects and convey symbolic meanings.