How to Fold a Flag
A flag is a national symbol and should be treated with respect. As such, there is a specific way that is observed when folding a flag. Give your flag the respect it deserves and learn how to handle and hold it correctly here.
You will require two people to fold the flag. For a national flag, make sure that the flag never touches the ground.
Hold the flag waist-high and equal to the other person. The flag should be held in such a way that its surface is parallel to the ground.
Fold the flag half width-wise, over the field of stars (The Union). Hold the bottom and top edges of the flag tightly and securely.
folding flag
Make another half width-wise fold, with the blue field on the outside again.
Your flag should be in a thin rectangular shape by now. Start a triangular fold from the striped portion going the open, top edge of the flag.
Fold another triangular fold inwards, parallel to the open edge of the flag, to form the second triangle.
Continue the sequence of triangular folding as detailed in Step 5 and Step 6.
Once the flag is completely folded, there should only be a triangular shape of the field of stars visible.
Respecting the Flag
There are also other practices that you should observe when it comes to handling a flag. These include:
Keep the flag clean and safe. Don’t let it become torn, soiled or damaged.
If the flag does become torn, soiled or damaged, dispose of the flag properly. Cut out the field of stars and separate it from the stripes, and then burn it. That is the proper way to dispose a flag.
Never use the flag for advertising purposes.
Never put the flag as embroidery on household items or clothing.
Never use it as part of an athletic uniform or a costume.