FLAG ETIQUETTE
WHEN TO DISPLAY THE FLAG
New Year's Day, January 1.
Inauguration Day.
Martin Luther King's Birthday, Third Monday in January.
Lincoln's Birthday.
Washington's Birthday, February 22.
Easter Sunday.
Mother's Day, Second Sunday in May.
Armed Forces Day, Third Saturday in May.
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Last Monday in May.
Flag Day, June 14th.
Independence Day, July 4th.
Labor Day, First Monday in September.
Constitution Day, September 17th.
Columbus Day, October 12th.
Navy Day.
Veterans Day, November 11th.
Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November.
Christmas Day, December 25th.
Election Days (various).
Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates.
Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
State and Local Holidays.
HOW TO FOLD THE AMERICAN FLAG
1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field.
2. Then fold it in half again.
3. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge forming a triangle.
4. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
5. When you get near the end - nothing but the blue field showing - tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.
THE ORIGIN OF FOLDING THE AMERICAN FLAG 13 TIMES
The tradition of folding the American flag 13 times during ceremonies, such as funerals and flag retirements, is rooted in symbolism and respct for the flag and the country it represents. Each of the 13 folds is thought to have specific meaning, reflecting the values and principles upon which the United States was founded.
The symbolic meanings often attributed to each fold:
First Fold: Represents life.
Second Fold: Represents the belief in eternal life.
Third Fold: Honors and pays tribute to veterans who served to defend the country.
Fourth Fold: Represents the country's weaker nature, trusting in God.
Fifth Fold: Acknowledges allegiance to the United States.
Sixth Fold: Honors the United States where hearts pledge allegiance.
Seventh Fold: Pays tribute to the Armed Forces.
Eighth Fold: Honors those who served the country and were faithful to the flag.
Ninth Fold: Honors womanhood and the importance of women in the nation's lives.
Tenth Fold: Honors fathers and their roles in the nation's history.
Eleventh Fold: Represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, symbolizing peace and justice.
Twelfth Fold: Represents the eyes of God watching over the nation.
Thirteenth Fold: Represents the original 13 colonies and the United States as a whole.
After the 13 folds, the flag is shaped into a triangular form reminiscent of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the American Revolution. This triangular shape is seen as a representation of the unity and history of the country.
TO CHECK NATIONAL AND STATE ORDERS FOR LOWERING THE FLAG TO HALF STAFF
CLICK HERE: http://dma.wi.gov/DMA/public-affairs/flag
