FLAG ETIQUETTE

FLAG ETIQUETTE

Scheduled days when the

American flag is displayed at Half-Staff

By order of the President of the United States
By order of the Governor of Arizona
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial May 5^th (sunrise until sunset)
Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15^th (sunrise until sunset)
Memorial Day, last Monday in May (sunrise until NOON)
Patriot Day, September 11^th (sunrise until sunset)
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7^th (sunrise until sunset)

For those with flags on a fixed staff, on a house, the accepted solution is to tie a long black ribbon to the top of the flagpole allowing it to drape over the American flag.

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

Federally observed dates of the below holidays which may be different from the actual dates.
Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.

Special Occasions for Flag Display

January 1	New Year's Day
Third Monday in January	Martin Luther King's Birthday
January 20	Inauguration Day
February 12	Lincoln's Birthday
Third Monday In February	Washington's Birthday
Varies	Easter Sunday
Second Sunday in May	Mother's Day
Third Saturday in May	Armed Forces Day
Last Monday in May	Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
June 14	Flag Day
July 4	Independence Day
First Monday in September	Labor Day
September 17	Constitution Day
Second Monday in Octobr	Columbus Day
October 27	Navy Day
November - varies	Election Day
November 11	Veteran's Day
Fourth Thursday in November	Thanksgiving
December 25	Christmas Day

Click here to view Our Flag - Frequently Asked Questions

Folding the Flag

1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field.

2. Then fold it in half again.

3. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge forming a triangle.

4. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.

5. 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. We have verified its accuracy at the U.S. Air Force Academy Web site [go to main page, then click on "Information", then on "Flags"].

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

10. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

13. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones. Those who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.