Flag Folding and Retirement

A country’s flag is supposed to be cared for and always treated with the utmost respect. Storing, handling and eventually retirement of the flag should be completed with consideration. The following recommendations are used when handling the U.S. flag.

Why Do We Take Consideration In Folding The U.S. Flag?

The special folding is reserved for the United States flag. At no time, should the flag ever touch the ground. It should be carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, which is representative of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.

How to Fold the U.S. Flag

Step 1.

To properly fold the flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 3.

Step 2.

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 4.

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Step 5.

Step 6.

Step 7.

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

Flag Retirement

DESTROYING AN OLD FLAG —

Section 4 of the Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” We recommend that you contact your local VFW or American Legion Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag.