Introduction
Folding a flag is a vital part of its care and upkeep. Since flags hold a lot of symbolism, it is crucial to respect it and handle it with great care. In this article, we’ll cover the step-by-step process of folding a flag, the history behind the tradition, and tips for ensuring a neat, well-folded flag.
Step-by-Step Guide
Folding a flag correctly takes practice, patience, and respect for the flag’s symbolism. The following are the proper procedures to follow when you want to fold a flag.
1. Starting position and initial fold: Hold the flag parallel to the ground, stretch it out, and fold it lengthwise. Holding opposite corners, fold the flag in half again.
2. Folding the triangle edge-to-edge: Starting at the striped end of the flag, fold it diagonally across in triangles. Repeat this step until the blue field is visible.
3. Continuing to fold until only the blue field is visible: Continue folding the flag in triangles, tightening the folds as you go along, until only the blue field with stars is visible.
4. Tucking in the remaining fabric to complete the fold: After the flag has been folded to the desired size, neatly tuck in the remaining part into the fold to create a square shape.
5. Tips for ensuring a neat, well-folded flag: Ensure that your working space is flat, clean and dry to avoid staining the flag. Place the flag on a table or other flat surface. Avoid creasing the flag to prevent wrinkles and damage.
Video Tutorial
If the written instructions do not give you the full picture of how to fold the flag properly, there are video tutorials available online. Check out this video below for a great visual guide of the flag-folding process:
As you follow the step-by-step guide, refer to the narrator’s explanation in the video to help you understand and master the process better.
Historical Background
The tradition of flag-folding dates back to the 18th century when patriotic groups and military strategies began to use flags as part of their ceremonies and processions. Folding the flag has become a crucial part of showing respect for the American flag, especially when retiring. Here are the details of each fold and its significance:
1. The first fold: The first fold represents life and its importance.
2. The second fold: The second fold represents beliefs, including faith in a higher power, and the dedication to a particular faith.
3. The third fold: The third fold signifies the readiness to fight and defend the nation. Folded in this manner, it shows that the flag has been prepared, and ready for use at a moment’s notice, and that the nation is always prepared to live up to all the challenges it faces.
4. The fourth fold: The fourth fold represents the need for trust in America, which is often reeled in from our government, expressing our belief in democracy and its promise to every American of equal rights.
5. The fifth fold: The fifth fold is the tribute to our country and represents the country’s region and welfare. Being folded like this gives the Flag a pact form, reminding us of our basis in God’s love, our heroes’ sacrifice, and the values that make us who we are.
6. The sixth fold: The sixth fold is where the Flag becomes the primary symbol of our hearts, which protects and supports all of us around the world.
7. The seventh fold: The seventh fold means remembrance, symbolizing the pain and suffering of people of the country who sacrificed their lives fighting for our country.
8. The eighth fold: The eighth fold represents the people who have entered our lives, making a difference and, in turn, leaving us with cherished memories.
9. The ninth fold: The ninth fold is known as a tribute to the soldiers who have suffered at all cost to maintain global peace and America’s freedom.
10. The tenth fold: The tenth fold is where the Flag acquires its ability to fly and represents praise for peace, where all things aspire to harmonize and coexist.
11. The eleventh fold: The eleventh fold is a tribute to the team of the United States Armed personnel who have come out of the line of responsibility and lived the life of a prisoner of war or shut-up or missing in action.
12. The twelfth fold: The twelfth fold signifies ideal and together with eternal light. It means that no harm or darkness can hurt those who believe in wrong or wickedness.
Although this is the traditional order of folding, different bureaus and groups have different abbreviations that they use, and sometimes, the meaning of the folds can vary slightly.
Personal Experience
Folding a flag is more than just a task to do. It is a moment to remember and show respect and value the people who have died. Not everyone shares the same experience with flag-folding, but soldiers and their family members undoubtedly know how important it is to handle and store the flag properly. Family members of fallen soldiers were given the flag carried by a hero, and therefore, cherish the flag with respect. Witnesses of flag-folding ceremonies at soldier funeral services learn to appreciate the sacrifice and dedication soldiers give to their country.
Mythbusting
There are many myths surrounding flag-folding, such as that each fold is an implication of an honor, but this is not true. The number of folds has no meaning in terms of conveying honor or respect. It may differ depending on the organization flag bearer. Another myth is that the flag must always be folded by veterans only. While they also play a role in the solemn and respectful care of the flag, civilians can also add their value to the process by using relevant online tutorials.
Conclusion
Properly folding a flag is a vital act of respect, tribute, and national pride. The article explained the step-by-step process of folding a flag, the history behind the tradition, and tips for ensuring a neat, well-folded flag. It is essential to handle the flag with great care to recognize its symbolism and the importance it holds. Always keep this guide as a reference to ensure that you fold your flag properly in the future.