By folding
your flag in the following manner, the tri-cornered hats worn by the
colonial soldiers during the War of Independence are symbolically
recalled.
Fold the
flag in half width-wise twice. Fold up a triangle, starting at the
striped end ... and repeat ... until only the end of the union is
exposed. Then fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the
folds.
A FALSE FOLDED FLAG has many benefits. It enables you to fold a smaller flag in such a way as to fit into a case designed for a larger flag, if necessary. (But keep in mind that a larger flag will never be able to fit into a case designed for a smaller flag.) This technique also allows you to easily fold a flag in such a way as to create aperfect star pattern. It can also be easier to fold a flag using this techniquer than the traditional flag folding technique detailed previously.
The 3ft x 5ft flag, when false folded and placed ina 3X5 flag case will show six (6) stars. The 3ft x 5ft flag, when false folded and placed in the large 5X9.5 flag case, will show eighteen (18) stars. The 4ft x 6ft flag, when false folded and placed in a 5X9.5 flag case, will show approximately 10 stars. The 5ft x 8ft and the 5ft x 9-1/2 ft flags when false folded will show six (6) stars.
Here is how to perform a false fold:
(1) Cut a piece of matte board or cardboard in a triangle approximately 1/8th inch smaller than the inside cavity of the flag case.
(2) Slide the matte board under the flag to the center of the star pattern. Align the peak of the triangle approximately ¾ inch above the top point of a star.
(3) Make sure the bottom of the triangle matte board is level with the stars on the bottom row.
(4) Turn the flag with the matte board over and place it in the cavity of the flag case. Fold the remainder of the flag into the flag case and replace the back of the case.
To safely and securely adhere medals and other mementos into your flag case, we recommend using adhesive foam disks. These can be purchased quite inexpensively at any arts & crafts store. If needed, the velvet backing can be cleaned of any dust using a lint roller or tape roller, rolled tape with sticky side out, etc.
1. Protect your flag from exposure
to storms, snow or abnormally high winds, as these adverse conditions
can shorten its life. If your flag should become wet, let it dry
completely by spreading it out. Never roll or fold your flag when it is
wet or damp as this can also damage the fabric.
2. Clean your flag regularly to
keep the fabric looking new. Your flag can be hand-washed with warm
water and mild soap, then thoroughly rinsed and spread out to air dry.
Do not let the flag stand in the wash water for extended periods of time
or some color transfer may occur from the red stripes to the white
stripes.
3. Determining where to hang your
flag is also important. Do not fly the flag where it will come in
contact with tree limbs, buildings or cables. When the flag is flying,
hitting such an object could cause a tear in the material. Even a small
tear could result in the flag becoming tattered. Inspecting your flag
for any small tears or signs of wear can prevent a small problem from
becoming a big problem. If you notice a tear or wear at the end of the
flag, trim and re-hem the end, and your flag will be ready to fly again.
Additionally, you may choose to
treat your flags with a fabric protection product like
303 Fabric Guard®, which waterproofs fabric and
protects it from UV rays, mildew and soiling.
When a flag
becomes tattered, soiled or faded, it should be disposed of in a
dignified manner, preferably by burning. You can use the suggested
method of disposal outlined below, or tailor the ceremony to suit
individual tastes. You can also contact your local Veterans of Foreign
Wars or American Legion Post, as these organizations frequently offer
flag retirement ceremonies.
1. The
Flag should be folded in its customary manner.
2. It is
important that the fire be sizeable and of sufficient intensity to
ensure complete burning of the Flag.
3. Place
the Flag on the fire.
4. The
individual (s) can come to attention, salute the Flag, recite the Pledge
of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
5. After
the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely
extinguished and the ashes buried.
6. Please
make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.
It is the
universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on
buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a
patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours
a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. ·
When displayed
either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (or blue
field) should be to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the
flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union to the left of
the observer in the street. ·
No other flag
or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right
of the flag of the United States of America, except during church
services conducted by naval chaplains at sea...for personnel of the
Navy...when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.
When flags of
States, cities, or localities, or pennants, of societies are flown on
the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should
always be at the peak. ·
When the flags
are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be
hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed
above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's
right.
The flag of
the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag
against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's
own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other
flag. ·
The flag of
the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest
point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or
pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. (Only
exception to * Note below)
When flags of
two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate
staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal
size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation
above that of another nation in time of peace.
Churches,
Auditoriums: When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed
flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed
from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United
States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in
advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergy
man's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so
displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or
the right of the audience.
The following
flag-folding ceremony, as described by the Uniformed Services, can be a
dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like
Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and can also be used in retirement
ceremonies.
A typical sequence of the reading
proceeds as follows:
(Begin reading as Honor Guard or
Flag Detail is coming forward.)
"The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on
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."
"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 next morning it is
brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol
of our belief in the resurrection of the body."
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the
flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is
standing ready.)
"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 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 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 her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be
in the right; but 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
in to 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 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 Ghost."
"When the flag is completely
folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto,
'In God we Trust.'"
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after
the inspection, resume reading.)
"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."
Why is a flag display case sometimes
called a "shadow box"?
According to
some accounts of naval history and tradition, when a sailor retires and
is departing the ship for the last time, it's considered bad luck for
the sailor's shadow to touch land before he/she does. Thus, the sailor's
shipmates would construct a sturdy box, hand-crafted of the finest
materials, in which to display mementos of the sailor's accomplishments
-- thereby symbolically creating a "shadow" of the sailor. The box
safely contains the sailor's "shadow" until he/she is safely ashore, at
which time the shadow box can be given to the sailor in a presentation
ceremony.
"On
behalf of your fellow shipmates, we present you with this shadow
box. Within the shadow box lie a sailor's most honored and cherished
possessions, including the flag of the United States of America,
representing a lifetime of valiant and faithful service."
Where is the US flag flown 24 hours a day?
By Executive Order, the flag flies
24 hours a day at the following locations:
The Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The White House, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.
Iwo Jima Memorial to U.S. Marines, Arlington, Virginia
Battleground in Lexington, MA (site of first shots in the
Revolutionary War)
Winter encampment cabins, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland (a flag flying over Fort
McHenry after a battle during the War of 1812 provided the
inspiration for "The
Star-Spangled Banner.")
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, Baltimore, Maryland (site
where the famed flag over Fort McHenry was sewn)
Jenny Wade House in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Jenny Wade was the
only civilian killed at the battle of Gettysburg)
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
All custom points and points of entry into the United States
Naturally, though while not under Executive Order, a flag flies 24 hours
a day on the surface of the moon.
According to some accounts of naval history and tradition, when a
sailor retires and is departing the ship for the last time, it's
considered bad luck for the sailor's shadow to touch land before he/she
does. Thus, the sailor's shipmates would construct a sturdy box,
hand-crafted of the finest materials, in which to display mementos of
the sailor's accomplishments -- thereby symbolically creating a "shadow"
of the sailor. The box safely contains the sailor's "shadow" until
he/she is safely ashore, at which time the shadow box can be given to
the sailor in a presentation ceremony.
Historically, when a sailor would join a ship's crew, he would join
that ship for his entire career. During the sailor's voyages to ports of
call around the world, he would collect many trinkets, souvenirs, and
reminders of his travels. Naturally, as space aboard ship was at a
premium, these items tended to be small. When the sailor piped ashore
for the last time, his shipmates saw to it that a special ceremonial box
was constructed for him. The box would hold all the possessions that had
been collected during those many voyages, a and would simultaneously
symbolize the sailor's career and time aboard ship.
Ideally, a shadow box serves not only as a reminder of achievements and
accomplishments, but also as a summation, a culmination, of a career. A
shadow box should enable a stranger glancing at its contents to gain a
substantial understanding of the owner's past service and achievements.
Shadow Box Presentation
Our Shadow Boxes are born of an ancient naval tradition that's still
practiced today, both in the militaries of the world and throughout
civilian life. The Shadow Box is laden with items that represent the
recipient's service or accomplishments or achievements.
All military retirees and honorees, from E-5 to O-10, deserve a quality
shadow box. Leadership should ensure that this tradition is followed,
fostered, and nourished, and that retirees and distinguished individuals
receive a shadow box.
The shadow box is typically laden with personal items that depict
advancement and achievements. These may include personal awards, medals,
duty stations, insignia, rating badges and uniform devices that indicate
progression through various military ranks. A boatswain's whistle may
even be included as a reminder of both service aboard ship and the
ceremony at which the shadow box was presented. Boatswain's whistles are
often used at various ceremonies, such as naval retirements.
The national flag is placed inside the shadow box to symbolize the
country that has benefited from the faithful service of the recipient of
the shadow box.
Naval presentation of a shadow box can be accompanied with the following
speech. Naturally, it can be modified as circumstances dictate.
"On behalf of your fellow shipmates, we present you with this shadow
box. Within the shadow box lie a sailor's most honored and cherished
possessions, including the flag of the United States of America,
representing a lifetime of valiant and faithful service."