U.S. Flag Etiquette

When to display the flag, how to fold it, and the meaning of the 13 folds.

The American Legion has long been a guardian of the proper care and display of the United States flag. Below is a brief guide; for the complete U.S. Flag Code, see legion.org/flag.

When to Display the Flag

The flag should be displayed on all days when the weather permits, and especially on these days:

  • New Year’s Day — January 1
  • Inauguration Day — January 20
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day — third Monday in January
  • Lincoln’s Birthday — February 12
  • Washington’s Birthday — third Monday in February
  • Easter Sunday — variable
  • Mother’s Day — second Sunday in May
  • Armed Forces Day — third Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day — last Monday in May (half-staff until noon)
  • Flag Day — June 14
  • Father’s Day — third Sunday in June
  • Independence Day — July 4
  • Labor Day — first Monday in September
  • Constitution Day — September 17
  • Columbus Day — second Monday in October
  • Navy Day — October 27
  • Veterans Day — November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day — fourth Thursday in November
  • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day — December 7 (half-staff)
  • Christmas Day — December 25
  • The birthdays of states (date of admission)
  • State holidays

How to Fold the Flag

Two people are needed to properly fold the flag. The flag should be folded ceremoniously into a triangle shape, with only the blue field of stars visible at the end.

  1. Hold the flag horizontally between you, stripes parallel to the ground.
  2. Fold the lower stripes over the blue field.
  3. Fold in half lengthwise again so the blue field is visible on one side.
  4. Begin folding from the striped end with a triangular fold.
  5. Continue triangular folds along the length of the flag until only the blue field, folded into a triangle, remains.

The 13 Folds — Symbolism

When the flag is folded ceremonially — typically at military funerals — each of the 13 folds carries meaning:

  1. First fold — a symbol of life.
  2. Second fold — a symbol of belief in eternal life.
  3. Third fold — in honor and remembrance of veterans who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country.
  4. Fourth fold — represents our weaker nature, trusting in God to give us strength in times of peace as well as times of war.
  5. Fifth fold — a tribute to our country.
  6. Sixth fold — for where our hearts lie. With our hearts we pledge allegiance to the flag.
  7. Seventh fold — a tribute to our armed forces.
  8. Eighth fold — a tribute to the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death.
  9. Ninth fold — a tribute to womanhood.
  10. Tenth fold — a tribute to fathers.
  11. Eleventh fold — in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon.
  12. Twelfth fold — represents an emblem of eternity in the eyes of Christian citizens.
  13. Thirteenth fold — when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Retiring a Worn Flag

A flag that is no longer fit to display should be retired in a dignified manner, traditionally by burning at a private ceremony. The American Legion conducts flag retirement ceremonies — most commonly on June 14 (Flag Day). If you have a worn flag you’d like retired, you can drop it off at Post 5; contact us for arrangements.