What do the 13 folds of a flag mean?

However, some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America while others to an Air Force chaplain stationed at the United States Air Force Academy. Some sources also indicate that the 13 folds are a nod to the original first 13 colonies. The flag folding ceremony is provided as a patriotic service.

What is the meaning behind the 13 folds of the American flag?

This is what the 13 folds mean:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.

What is the symbolism of the folded flag?

The flag is folded to represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States. Each fold also carries its own meaning. According to the description, some folds symbolize freedom, life, or pay tribute to mothers, fathers, and those who serve in the Armed Forces.

How many folds are in the American flag and what do they represent?

Each of the 13 folds of the flag holds great significance. At the ceremony of retreat, a daily observance at bases during which all personnel pay respect to the flag, “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.

Why do they fold the flag into a triangle?

The flag gets folded into a triangle because it is actually meant to resemble a tri-cornered hat, like the ones worn by George Washington and other soldiers who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The process begins by folding the flag lengthwise two times.

* The Meaning Of 13 Folds In The American Flag *

Why can't red show on a folded flag?

The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. It is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.

Can you bury an American flag with a person?

General American Flag Etiquette

A flag should not be lowered into a grave or touch the ground. A flag should never be used as a covering for a statue or monument. A flag should never be used in such a way that will allow it to be torn, dirtied or damaged.

What do the 7 red stripes on the flag mean?

Today the flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union.

How many times is a flag folded at a military funeral?

After Taps is played, the flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tricorn shape. A properly proportioned flag will fold 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 original colonies. The folded flag is emblematic of the tricorn hat worn by the patriots of the American Revolution.

How is the flag folded at military funerals?

In the U.S. Armed Forces, 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.

What do the three shells mean at a military funeral?

Typically three fired cartridges are placed into the folded flag prior to presentation to the next of kin; the cartridges signify "duty, honor, and sacrifice.”

Can you have a military funeral if you are cremated?

Funeral and Memorial Services for Veterans

Veterans can receive cremation and burial benefits if eligible. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran's family may bury or inter their loved one's ashes at any National Cemetery that accepts cremains.

What does third fold mean?

1 : having three parts or members : triple a threefold purpose. 2 : being three times as great or as many a threefold increase.

What does 23 fold mean?

being twenty times as large, great, many, etc. adverb.

Who gets a 21 gun salute at a funeral?

Figures who receive the honor include visiting heads of state, members of currently reigning royal families, the current president, the president-elect, and ex-presidents. A 21 gun salute typically occurs during a president or ex-president's funeral, but it can also occur any time they make a relevant appearance.

Do you stand during Taps at a funeral?

Men without hats and women stand at attention and place their right hand over their heart. All vehicles should come to a stop and remain so until the last note has ended. Taps began as a signal for lights or lights out at the end of the day. For these purposes, there are no formal protocol procedures required.

Who gets a 3 volley salute?

The president of the United States, as commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces, is authorized this honor. The firing of three volleys over the grave of a fallen warrior has its origin in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield.

What does a full black American flag mean?

What does a black American Flag mean? Black flags have historically been used to signify that no quarter will be given. When translated into modern language, this means that captured enemy combatants will be killed rather than taken prisoner.

Why are there 52 stars on the American flag?

How many stars and stripes are on the flag? There are 50 stars representing the 50 states and there are 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies. from The CIA World Factbook.

What does black and white American flag mean?

While, a complete black and white flag of the American flag is viewed as a symbol of protest, and to express the rebellion. The black flag can be often found to be used in protests, which may be political, or non-political, but is used as a symbol of protest and rebel against supremacy.

Are you supposed to burn a flag if it touches the ground?

Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: Care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground.

Is it disrespectful to fly a flag on a truck?

Decals and fabric flags (flown) are acceptable; however, draping a real flag flat over the hood, trunk, or truck bed is considered disrespectful to the flag. Q: Is it OK to fly a flag on a truck? A: As long as it doesn't interfere with the driver's field of view or obstruct the vehicle operation in any other way.

Are you supposed to take the flag down when it rains?

The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.

Who is entitled to a flag draped coffin?

1. Why Does VA Provide a Burial Flag? A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran's military service to his or her country.

What family member gets the flag at a military funeral?

At the funeral, the flag is presented to the deceased's next of kin. The next of kin is the person who is most closely related to the veteran. After receiving the flag, it is tradition among the family members to preserve for display in the house, usually in a frame.