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HOW TO FOLD THE FLAG
Begin by holding the flag about waist level, (this is easiest done with two people), so that it's parallel to the ground.
Fold the Flag lengthwise bringing the Stripes over the Union.
Fold lengthwise again bringing the Union back on top of the Stripes.
Fold the lower right hand corner to the upper edge, forming a triangle.
Now continue folding the triangle toward the Union.
Keep folding until only the Union showing. If you did it correct there should be twelve folds in all, and should wind up in the triangular shape resembling the revolutionaries hats who first began folding the flag in this manner.
What the Colors Represent
"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief or Union, (the broad band above the stripes containing the stars) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."
A Brief history
you may have wondered why only 13 stripes.
When two new States were admitted to the Union (Kentucky and Vermont), a resolution was adopted in January of 1794, expanding the flag to 15 stars and 15 stripes. This flag was the official flag of our country from 1795 to 1818, and was prominent in many historic events. It inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the bombardment of Fort McHenry; it was the first flag to be flown over a fortress of the Old World when American Marine and Naval forces raised it above the pirate stronghold in Tripoli on April 27, 1805; it was the ensign of American forces in the Battle of Lake Erie in September of 1813; and it was flown by General Jackson in New Orleans in January of 1815.
However, realizing that the flag would become unwieldy with a stripe for each new State, Capt. Samuel C. Reid, USN, suggested to Congress that the stripes remain 13 in number to represent the Thirteen Colonies, and that a star be added to the blue field for each new State coming into the Union. Accordingly, on April 4, 1818, President Monroe accepted a bill requiring that the flag of the United States have a union of 20 stars, white on a blue field, and that upon admission of each new State into the Union one star be added to the union of the flag on the fourth of July following its date of admission. The 13 alternating red and white stripes would remain unchanged. This act succeeded in prescribing the basic design of the flag, while assuring that the growth of the Nation would be properly represented.
When to fly the United
States Flag
The united States Flag can be flown every day of the year. If it is flown for twenty four hours a day, it should be illuminated so that the Flag is not in complete darkness. The Flag should be flown most definitely on the following days:
January 1st, New Years Day
January 20th, Inauguration Day
The Third Monday in January in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
February 12th Lincolns birthday
The third Monday in February, Presidents day in observance of Washington's Birthday
Easter Sunday
The second Sunday in May in observance of Mother's Day
The third Saturday in May in observance of Armed Forces Day
The last Monday in May, (at half staff until noon), In observance of Memorial Day
June 14th Flag Day
July 4th Independence Day
The First Monday in September in observance of labor Day
September 17th Constitution Day
the second Monday in October in observance of Columbus Day
October 27th Navy Day
November 11th Veterans Day
The Fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas Day
As well as any other days as proclaimed by the President of the united States, i.e., Birthday's of States, (date of admission) and State holidays
The Flag Should also be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset on the following days:
May 15th, Peace Officers Memorial Day
July 27th, National Korean War Armistace Day
September 11th, Patriot Day
and on
December 7th, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Caring for the Flag
If soiled the Flag may be washed or dry cleaned.
When torn or frayed, but not faded, the Flag may be mended.
A worn or faded Flag should be retired with respect. Fold the Flag in the manner described above and place it on a fire. The subsequent ashes should the be buried.
Some V.F.W. Posts and other community groups collect worn flags and conduct retirement ceremonies, check with your Village or Town officials for more information.