Why do you fold the flag 13 times?

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

What does a folded flag represent?

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.

What do the 13 stripes on the American flag represent?

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.

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.

* The Meaning Of 13 Folds In The American Flag *

What do they say when they hand you the flag at a military funeral?

U.S. Army: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

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.

What does a black and white US 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.

What are the 13 colonies on the American flag?

The first thirteen states were: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island.

Is it disrespectful to unfold a flag?

The official flag code does not make mention of the issue; some hold that once a flag is folded it should remain folded, while others have concluded that it is a noble and patriotic way to honor the life of the military service member.

What do the three shots mean at a military funeral?

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. Once the dead were removed, three-musket volleys were fired as a signal that the battle could resume.

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 was U.S. called before 1776?

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a new name for what had been called the "United Colonies.” The moniker United States of America has remained since then as a symbol of freedom and independence.

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.

What are 3 original states?

The 13 original states were New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The 13 original states were the first 13 British colonies.

What does an upside down flag mean?

According to U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never be displayed upside-down “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” Advertisement. Lamarre's upside-down flag above the Trump 2024 flag. C.

What is the GREY American flag?

The thin gray line is a symbol that is used to show support for correctional officers.

What does purple mean on a flag?

Some countries have used bright colors like red, yellow, and orange on their flags but others have gone for not so striking colors. But the purple color is one of the rarest flag colors on national flags. Purple is a color of royalty and anyone would expect it to dominate most flags.

What does Brown mean on a flag?

Adding colors to represent them on the flag is one way to change that. Additionally, the black and brown stripes are meant to represent people living with HIV/AIDS, those who have died from it, and the stigma around the virus that is still present in our society now.

What does a yellow American flag mean?

The Thin Yellow Line honors all those who serve in public safety telecommunication, including police dispatchers, fire dispatchers, and ambulance dispatchers. The Thin Yellow Line can also represent Security Guards, Loss Prevention Associates, and Search and Rescue Personnel.

Is the blue line flag disrespectful?

In May 2021, the Edmonton Police Association drew criticism for flying a thin blue line flag atop their building. In response, a representative for the police association stated that they didn't "know where and how the symbolism of the blue line flag turned into being considered a racist or hateful type of thing".

What are 3 things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

When a soldier dies Who gets the flag?

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.

Do you put flowers on a casket with a flag?

Do not set flowers on or above the flag at a military funeral service. When you drape a casket with the United States flag, set flowers apart on display stands. Fold the flag, and nestle it above the head of the departed military member or spouse; leave flowers out of the open casket lid.

Who were the first people in America?

Ice age. During the second half of the 20th Century, a consensus emerged among North American archaeologists that the Clovis people had been the first to reach the Americas, about 11,500 years ago. The ancestors of the Clovis were thought to have crossed a land bridge linking Siberia to Alaska during the last ice age.