Why is the flag folded 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.

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.

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 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."

* The Meaning Of 13 Folds In The American Flag *

What do the 13 folds mean?

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.

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.

How many times is the American flag folded?

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.

What does 23 fold mean?

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

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.

How many times do you fold flag 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.

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 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.

Why are there 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes on the flag?

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?

During the presentation, the officer kneels in front of the next of kin. As they present the flag, they say “As a representative of the United States service branch, it is my high privilege to present to you this flag.

Who gets the folded flag at a military funeral?

2. Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag? Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it.

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 did the US flag look like in 1776?

1776 – On the first of January, The Grand Union Flag is flown on Prospect Hill and adopted as a symbol of the rebelling colonists. The flag, originally designed in 1775, features the British Union Jack in the upper left corner surrounded by thirteen white and red stripes, symbolizing the thirteen colonies.

What was America before 1776?

On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress formally declares the name of the new nation to be the “United States” of America. This replaced the term “United Colonies,” which had been in general use.

What does the GREY American flag mean?

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

What does an upside down flag mean?

Follow. It is not illegal to fly the American flag upside down. It is a signal of distress. I'd say we're in a state of distress.

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 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.

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.