How to fold and display the American flag

Here's a guide to folding and displaying the Stars and Stripes, just in time for Fourth of July celebrations

If you want to refresh your knowledge of proper flag etiquette before displaying the American flag this Fourth of July, read on.

We recently met with members of the Central Coast Leatherneck Honor Guard and consulted The American Legion's website for information.

RELATED: Test your flag knowledge

Although how to fold the flag is not in the official federal statute called the Flag Code that governs its display, the tradition of a triangular-shaped fold has developed over time. To make this fold, follow these steps:

 

 

1. With one person at each end, hold the flag so it is parallel to the ground. Fold the flag in half lengthwise so the lower half (the striped section) is over the blue field of stars. Make sure the top edge of the flag (with the blue field and red stripe) extends 1 to 2 inches beyond the bottom edge you have just folded up. Hold the flag flat.

 

2. Grasping the folded edge, fold the flag in half again lengthwise, keeping that 1- to 2-inch extension from the first fold.

 

3. Person #1 at the end of the flag with the stripes (not at the end with the blue field) makes a triangular fold by taking the left corner on the folded side and bringing it to the right edge of the flag. A point is created.

4. Person #1 folds over the point toward the stars and person #2.

 

5. Person # 1 continues folding in this triangular fashion until only the last several inches of flag are left. The remaining portion of unfolded flag will be a square shape with the ends held by person #2.

 

6. Person #2 takes the corner being held in his right hand and folds it over into a triangle, toward the folded flag. Person #2 then folds over the piece in his left hand, tucking it inside the folded flag where a pocket has been created. If done properly, the flag is now in a triangle shape with only the blue area visible.

Flag display guidelines

• Tradition and the Flag Code also detail how the flag should be handled and displayed. Here are some pointers:
• Care should be taken when handling the flag so that it does not touch the ground. Be especially careful when raising and lowering the flag.
• It is customary to fly a flag from sunrise to sunset. If a flag is to be flown at night, below, it must be illuminated.
• The flag should not be displayed in inclement weather unless an all-weather flag is used.
• Flags with small tears, above, can be mended and kept in use. If a flag is tattered or worn, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 1:16 PM with the headline "How to fold and display the American flag."