Folding flag - 13 Steps Meaning = Pyramid

Folding  The  FLAG Source from: Home of Heroes
As you have learned if you've been through the previous pages in this exhibit, it is permissible to fly the National Colors 24-hours a day provided that you have an ALL-WEATHER flag, and provided that the flag is lit at night.  Before the invention and availability of electric lighting, however, it was a normal practice to take the flag down at dusk and raise it again the following morning.  Such practice, especially at military posts, gave birth to the tradition of Reveille and eventually TAPS. When the Flag is lowered at the end of the day, it is carefully folded into a triangle (reminding us of the triangular shapes hats worn by the Revolutionary War patriots), and when properly folded only the blue field of the UNION and its stars can be seen from either side.  This symbolizes the safekeeping of the flag throughout the dark of night.  If you've read about Burial Flags, you also know that the last part of the interment ceremony involves the lifting of the flag from the coffin, and carefully folding it to present it to the family of one who has served their nation.  Whenever the flag is folded, there is a proper procedure for doing so.  Whether the flag is being removed from a flag pole, lifted from a coffin, or otherwise being tucked safely away, the first point to keep in mind is that the FLAG SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO TOUCH THE FLOOR OR THE GROUND. Two people are required to properly fold the flag.  The flag should be held waist-high and horizontally as shown at the right.  Remember that the flag should be aligned so that the UNION (field of blue with the stars) is away from the audience and to their left.   The Flag is then carefully folded in half, lengthwise, with the folded edge towards the audience.  The picture below shows how the two men at right would make the FIRST FOLD. The flag is then folded in half, lengthwise once again.  This second fold, as shown by the picture below, results in a QUARTER-FOLD the full length of the flag.  Properly folded, both sides  will look the same, the UNION covering the full left hand side (from the audience view) of the flag, with three full stripes and a small portion of a red stripe (at the top edge) showing.     With the flag held as shown, a series of triangular folds begin, moving from the side with the stripes and folding towards the Union (right to left folds from the audience view).  This is usually the "trickiest" part when you are first learning to fold the flag, but with practice you will find that after the first fold, the rest become quite easy. The last fold is to tuck the upper-left edge of the Union into the top fold of the triangle.     When all the folds are completed, the flag should look like the one at left.  It can then be safely stored for the evening, or in the case of a commemorative flag, ceremoniously presented to someone. The proper way to store a flag is folded in this manner, in the shape of a triangle with only the blue field and white stars showing.

The Folding of the Flag
Source from: Truth or Fiction

The Meaning of the Folding of the American Flag-Truth! & Fiction!
Summary of eRumor: Message alleges that there is meaning to each fold of the American flag, for example, at a military funeral when the flag is presented to the family of the person who died.  Most of them are of spiritual and religious significance.
The Truth: 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. Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, is the law of the land regarding the handling and displaying of the American flag.  It does not include anything regarding the significance or meaning of folding the flag.  The code was first adopted by Congress in 1923 and revised numerous times. According to the American Legion, the code does not call for a ceremonial folding of the flag and the folding procedure is also traditional.  Same for the meanings of the folds. Nobody seems to know when or where that originated or who wrote it.  There is speculation that it may have come from a chaplain who attached the mostly Judeo-Christian religious meanings to the folds, perhaps for a burial ceremony. Official or not, the statement has gained status as the traditional meaning of the folds and was found in many governmental and military manuals and recited at numerous military funerals. In October, 2007, the National Cemetery Administration banned the practice of giving the meaning of the folds of the flag at all national cemeteries, but the decision was quickly revised.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement on 10/20/07 saying that any recitations at the graveside of a veteran can reflect the wishes of the family.  In other words, if the family wants the meaning of the folds to be included, it can be included. One additional note:  The eRumor says the 21-gun salute originated from adding the digits of 1776.  That is not true.  According to Arlington Cemetery, the 21-gun salute evolved from many years of various traditions of honoring dignitaries.
A real example of the story as it has been circulated:
WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran. HERE IT IS: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our 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 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, 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". After the flag is completely 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. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why.

What words are said t the flag folding portion of a military funeral?
Source from: Ask Ville

"There are no federal laws related to the flag that assign any special meaning to the folds

The "script" for the folding is in the link below. Yes, it’s an urban legend site.

As several sites noted below point out that there is no federal authority for the 13-fold flag recitation or any comparable script.

In a military funeral, the flag is lifted, then folder over the casket. It is then presented "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service." http://www.trea.org/funeral/honoring.html

Having been at too many military funerals I can state the "13-fold" is not regulation. This includes funerals at Arlington where the Old Guard (3rd Infantry) rendered honors.

There are funerals where the "13-fold" and other scripts are read. These are at VA cemeteries and: "Volunteer honor guards are authorized to read the so-called "13-fold" flag recitation or any comparable script; Survivors of the deceased need to provide material and request it be read by the volunteer honor guards; Traditional gravesite military funeral honors include the silent folding and presentation of an American flag, a rifle salute and the playing of "Taps."

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123074469

http://www.legion.org/?section=our_flag&subsection=flag_folding&content=flag_procedures

http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.asp

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_D_flag31.3da1f24.html

http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=78623

http://www.rncsc.org/pages/subpages/va_flag_issue.html

http://www.americanvolunteerreserve.org/d130015p.pdf

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/jointservices/a/funeralhonors.htm

http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/faqpage.html

Sources: http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.asp

Here is a good resource for information on the US Flag:

http://www.usflag.org/

When I was in the United States Army over a decade and a half ago, I was on several funeral details that included pallbearer, firing squad, etc.  "Taps" is played from around a hundred feet or so away - and for any veteran - "Taps" is an emotional listen that pulls at the heartstrings every time.

The firing squad is usually seven rifleman that will fire three volleys when instructed.  We always prided ourselves in avoiding the popcorn effect that can occur if the shots aren’t fired in complete unison.

When I was in the United States Army over a decade and a half ago, I was on several funeral details that included pallbearer, firing squad, etc.  "Taps" is played from around a hundred feet or so away - and for any veteran - "Taps" is an emotional listen that pulls at the heartstrings every time.

The firing squad is usually seven rifleman that will fire three volleys when instructed.  We always prided ourselves in avoiding the popcorn effect that can occur if the shots aren’t fired in complete unison.

The words sometimes vary depending upon the branch of service, but typically when the officer/commander/leader protocal for each branch is this:

U.S. Air Force: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (Service Member’s rank and name)."

U.S. Army: "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service."

U.S. Coast Guard: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to Country and the Coast Guard."

U.S. Marine Corps: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to Country and Corps."

U.S. Navy: "On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this Country and a grateful Navy."

If the next of kin has expressed a religious preference or belief, add: "God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America."

After an American flag has been used for a Military or Veterans funeral, it should never be flown again or displayed in any other way than in the tri-fold shape in which it was presented to the next of kin. In other words, the folded flag should never be "opened" again. There are many appropriate display cases available for purchase to display the burial flag and to protect it from wear and fading.