How to Fold an American Flag For Presentation or Display

A properly folded flag will present the field of stars.

Folding the American flag for presentation or display is a sacred honor that goes back to the beginning of the United States' history. Whether folding the American Flag for rendering honors, presenting colors or a veteran's funeral, it needs to be done with respect, care and the correct procedure. Getting the folding technique perfect takes some practice, so try folding it several times with your partner before actually performing the procedure in front of an audience.

Things You'll Need

• 2 individuals
• American flag

Instructions

1. Hold the flag at belt level with a person at each short end, so that its surface is parallel to the ground. Grip the flag tightly at all times to avoid dropping it and perform all the following folds sharply and with crispness.

2. Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the stars section.

3. Fold the flag lengthwise again, with the stars section on the outside. The stars section should appear on the top.

4. At the opposite end of the stars section make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge of the flag. The open edge of the flag will be the on the right hand of the folding individual. Make the first fold from left to right.

5. Turn the outer end of the triangular point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. This will be a fold from right to left.

6. Repeat the folds left to right, then right to left, until the entire flag is folded and only the blue stars are visible.

References

• USFlag: Flag Folding