With It Being Memorial Day Weekend You Will See A Lot Of American Flags Out Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers.

Where did it begin

Our flag folding procedure origination is unknown, some give credit to the Gold Star Mothers of America and others give it to an Air Force chaplain stationed at the United States Air Force Academy. Some believe it is an urban legend. No matter which one you choose to believe it is provided as a patriotic service to all.

First step in folding the American Flag

Traditional folding of the American flag takes 2 people to do.

To start, each will take an end of the flag holding it waste high parallel to the ground. Straighten out the flag to full length.

Second step in folding the American Flag

Fold the "lower" half of the strips length wise over the field of stars. Holding the meeting ends securely.

Third step in folding the American Flag

While holding the flag with the "opened" end towards the top, fold it again the same way lengthwise to meet the "opened" edge. Make sure the union of starts remains on the outside in full view. If the flag is exceptionally large it may need folded a third time.....following the same steps as the second fold.

Fourth step in folding the American Flag

The person at the striped end of the flag will begin to make the first triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge.

Fifth step in folding the American Flag

To make the second triangular fold the outer point is then turned inward, parallel with the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Sixth step in folding the American Flag

Continue steps 4 & 5 working your way towards the field of stars until you reach the end with only the blue showing.

Seventh step in folding the American Flag

Once the end is reached, tuck the loose edge of the flag into the pocket formed by the triangular folds.

Folded Flag

When the flag is completely folded it should look like a three cornered hat ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.