How to Fold a Flag

If you weren't a girl scout or boy scout, and didn't serve in the U.S. military, you may not have learned how to properly fold the American flag. Although Title 1 Chapter 4 of the U.S. Code which contains the laws pertaining to the United States flag does not detail the precise method required to fold the flag, it does contain general guidelines that must be followed while folding the flag. Read on to learn how to fold a flag in accordance with custom and tradition.

1. The flag should only be displayed upside down as a distress signal.

2. Make sure the flag doesn't touch the floor, the ground, or water.

3. Make sure the flag doesn't touch the floor, the ground, or water.

4. The flag should not be displayed horizontally.

Before folding the flag you should understand general rules pertaining to respect for the flag, as well as the order in which each fold should be made.

The Flag Code of the United States is contained in Title 4, Chapter 1 of the U.S. code. The portions of this statue that relate to folding the flag require that:

1. The flag be treated with respect.http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode04/usc_sec_04_00000008----000-.html
2. No part of the flag shall touch the ground or floor at any time.http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode04/usc_sec_04_00000008----000-.html
3. The flag should be stored safely and securely.http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode04/usc_sec_04_00000008----000-.html

1. An American flag
2. Two people
3. An area large enough for the flag to be completely extended while held at the ends by the two people who will be folding it.

The following method of folding the flag will produce the traditional triangular package, with only the blue stars visible on top.

1. The two people who are to hold the flag should each take hold of a narrow end of the flag, with their hands at the corners.
2. The flag should be extended taut between the two them, about 2 1/2-3 feet above the ground.
3. Each person should lift the hand that is on the lower section (the section with only stripes) up, folding the flag lengthwise. The stripe section should now cover the field of stores.
4. Make another lengthwise fold, which will result in the blue field of stars being on the outside.
5. Bring the striped corner of the folded edge of the flag to meet the open edge, making a triangular fold.
6. Flip the point to meet the straight edge, making a second triangular fold.
7. Continue flipping the triangle until the entire flag is folded.