Flag Etiquette

When to Display your Flag

The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather permits, especially on:

New Year's Day, January 1.
Inauguration Day, January 20th.
Martin Luther King's Birthday, Third Monday in January.
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12th.
Washington's Birthday, February 22nd.
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, October 27th.
Veterans Day, November 11th.
Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November.
Christmas Day, December 25th.
Election Days (various)- check your local Board of Elections website.
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 for Ceremonies (Funerals)

Bring the striped half up over the blue field to the center of the upper stripe.
Then fold it in half again to the same point.
Bring the lower striped corner to the newly-formed upper edge forming a triangle.
Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
When you get near the end - nothing but the blue field showing - tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.

Why the American Flag is Folded 13 Times

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Each fold of the U.S. flag has an important meaning. You can find this information on the National Flag Foundation website: https://nationalflagfoundation.org/the-meaning-behind-the-13-folds-of-the-united-states-flag/

An alternative meaning of the Folds of Our Flag follows:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of our belief in God.
The second fold is a symbol of our devotion to the United States of America.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans who have departed our ranks.
The fourth fold represents our reliance on God for guidance and strength.
The fifth fold is a tribute to freedom, and all that it means to us.
The sixth fold represents our heart, for it is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for they are the ones who protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
The eighth fold is a tribute to honor our mother's faith, love, loyalty and devotion that have shaped the character of the men and women who have made this country great.
The ninth fold is a tribute to fathers, who gave their sons and daughters for the defense of our country.
The tenth fold is a tribute to American families everywhere. Our strength is built upon their strength.
The eleventh fold is a symbol of our belief in justice and equality for all.
The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies our faith in God.
The thirteenth fold is a symbol of our 13 original colonies.