Why is a flag folded in 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.

What does a flag in a triangle mean?

In the U.S. Armed Forces, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle 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 a ceremony of reveille, flown high as a symbol of belief in the resurrection of the body.

What does a folded flag symbolize?

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.

Why do you fold the flag 13 times?

If you've ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the U.S. flag that once draped the casket. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times to complete the ceremony.

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.

Why the flag is folded into a triangle?

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 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."

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 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.

Does the military kneel when presenting a flag?

Kneel, on one knee, in front of the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient. Present the flag using the veteran's military service preferred wording: Army ...

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.

Do you salute a folded flag?

In the case of a cremation, as the urn is being moved, it should be followed by someone carrying a folded flag. Members should salute as the flag passes by. Former military members not in uniform may salute. However, civilians should not salute.

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.”

Who gets the folded flag at a military funeral?

Who is presented with the military burial 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.

What is a black American flag?

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.

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.

Can you fly a flag that was on a coffin?

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.

Why should the American flag never touch the ground?

Don't Let It Touch the Ground!

The reason for this provision is to respect the American flag and everything for which it stands, while also protecting the American flag from damage. If the American flag hangs so low on a flagpole that it touches the ground, it will likely accumulate dirt.

Do you put flowers on a casket with a flag?

Flag Etiquette and Regulations

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.

Do you stand during Taps at a funeral?

stand at Attention, uncover, and hold the headdress over the left shoulder with the right hand over the heart. If no headdress is worn, the right hand is held over the heart.”.

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

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.

Is it disrespectful to fly a torn American flag?

It's important to remember the cardinal rule: tattered American flags should not be flown under any circumstances. It is disrespectful to the country, but in particular, the United States military. When you notice your flag beginning to wear and tear, take it down immediately to make the proper repairs.

Why are there no flags on veterans graves?

"There is no standing policy for cemeteries to put a flag on every individual grave site, and thus over the years, all VA cemeteries have relied on the graciousness and the generosity of civilians, civic organizations, veterans organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and other volunteer groups like the Girl Scouts ...