Comments on How to Fold an American Flag

If you have a large flag, make sure you have at least 3 people on all sides so that you may have an even holding. Have the middle person on two (width) sides hold it up and bring the two edges in to center (should now be folded in quarters), then turn the flag to the right and fold it once more in half. Then start at the stripped end, and make crisp triangular folds (use your arm if you must). Tuck the end in to the last fold and you should have a crisp, even triangle. Hold it close to your chest as you retreat.

If you have a large flag, make sure you have at least 3 people on all sides so that you may have an even holding. Have the middle person on two (width) sides hold it up and bring the two edges in to center (should now be folded in quarters), then turn the flag to the right and fold it once more in half. Then start at the stripped end, and make crisp triangular folds (use your arm if you must). Tuck the end in to the last fold and you should have a crisp, even triangle. Hold it close to your chest as you retreat.

One should make every effort to see to it that the US flag does not touch the ground. If it does touch the ground, however, remedy the situation and ensure that it is not dirty. Although you are certainly welcome to retire a flag anytime that you feel prudent, it is not a necessity of flag etiquette to have the flag retired.

One should make every effort to see to it that the US flag does not touch the ground. If it does touch the ground, however, remedy the situation and ensure that it is not dirty. Although you are certainly welcome to retire a flag anytime that you feel prudent, it is not a necessity of flag etiquette to have the flag retired.

You fold the flag as described unless it is to be presented to a survivor who is also a veteran. Then it is to be folded where only the stars show so as to represent their contribution to the country through their military service.

If the flag touches the ground it needs to be retired properly. Please give it to a local Civil Air Patrol (official auxiliary of the United States Air Force) or give it to a Boy Scout's troop to be retired.

While folding the triangles, have one hand at either end of the hypotenuse. Grip those corners tight, pull the hypotenuse straight, then flip it over into a new triangle. You'll end up with a crisp, folded flag. Ask a boy scout if you have any questions.

DO NOT let the flag touch the ground. If this happens you must take the flag to a local armory or scout troop to be properly retired.

When making the two width-wise folds, be sure to keep the stars on the outside. If you do this, you will have a triangular field of stars when you are finished folding the flag.

If the flag touches the ground it needs to be retired properly. Please give it to a local Civil Air Patrol (official auxiliary of the United States Air Force) or give it to a Boy Scout's troop to be retired.

While folding the triangles, have one hand at either end of the hypotenuse. Grip those corners tight, pull the hypotenuse straight, then flip it over into a new triangle. You'll end up with a crisp, folded flag. Ask a boy scout if you have any questions.