Carrot Top

Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a burial flag. The funeral director can make the arrangements. The flag may be used to cover the casket and it is presented to the family as a keepsake.

The local office of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs can also provide information on the procedure for obtaining a flag for a deceased veteran.

Have you ever noticed how the color guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Did you think it symbolized the original 13 colonies? It actually represents something different.

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

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

The 3rd 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.

The 4th 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.

The 5th 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.”

The 6th 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 the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th 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 be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th 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.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. 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, have been molded.

The 10th 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.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or 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.

From the US Air Force Academy

Did you know that you can purchase a flag that has been flown over the Capitol? You can even specify that you want one that was flown on a certain day.

You can purchase one of these flags by getting in touch with your Senator. Click here to find your Senators’ websites and this is where you will find the order information.

You will also receive a certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol with each flag. Flags are available for purchase in sizes of 3′ x 5′ or 5′ x 8′ in fabrics of cotton and nylon.

The Flag House is located on the northwest corner of Albemarle and Pratt Streets in Baltimore, Maryland.

It was the home of Mary Pickersgill from 1807 to 1857, and it was where she made the original “Star-Spangled Banner,” which measured 30 by 42 feet. The stripes were two feet wide and the stars were two feet from point to point. Mrs. Pickersgill was paid $405.90 for her services. The flag was delivered to Fort McHenry on August 19, 1813, a full year before the Battle of Baltimore.

The flag bears the autograph of Lt. Col. George Armistead as well as the date of the British bombardment. It remained in the Armistead family for many years and then loaned to the Smithsonian for an official display in 1907. On December 19, 1912, it was donated to the Smithsonian where it is now on permanent exhibit. Although the flag was reduced in size in order to repair and preserve it in 1914, the reinforcement technique used has preserved its existence.

The Flag House is a National Historic Landmark, and is operated by an independent non-profit association.

The size of the flag is determined by the exposed height of the flagpole from which it is flying. The only consideration is for the flag to be in proper proportion to its pole.

Flags which fly from angled poles on homes and those which are displayed on standing poles in offices and other indoor displays are usually either 3′ x 5′ or 4′ x 6′. Color guards usually carry flags measuring 4′ x 6′.
Other recommended sizes:

• If your flagpole is 20 feet high then you need to use a 4 x 6 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 40 feet high then you need to use a 6 x 10 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 50 feet high then you need to use a 8 x 12 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 60 feet high then you need to use a 10 x 15 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 70 feet high then you need to use a 12 x 18 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 90 feet high then you need to use a 15 x 25 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 125 feet high then you need to use a 20 x 30 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 200 feet high then you need to use a 30 x 40 (ft) flag.
• If your flagpole is 250 feet high then you need to use a 40 x 50 (ft) flag.

Here are the proper ways to fly your US flag indoors.

When the American Flag is on a staff in a church or public auditorium on a podium the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman’s or speaker’s right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker (to the right of the audience).

When the American Flag is used to cover a casket it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

If the American Flag is not being flown or on a staff then it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left.

When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way that is with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

Here are the proper ways to fly your American flag outdoors.

Over the middle of the street it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

When it’s flown at half-staff it should be first raised in quick motion to the top and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the top before it is lowered for the day. By “half-staff” is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

When flown in the same area as other non-nation flags then no other flag or pennant may be placed above the United States flag or to the right of the US flag.

The flag may be projected from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, with the union of the flag placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.

The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag, or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag’s own right.

When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height and should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

When the US Flag is with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, the US Flag should be on the right, the flag’s own right which is the viewer’s left, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

Today’s flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes - seven red stripes alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well:

• red symbolizes hardiness and valor
• white symbolizes purity and innocence
• blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Inspect your flag regularly for signs of wear, especially for thread breaks in the “fly” end. Trimming off and re-hemming torn or frayed ends will help extend the life of your flag.

The U.S. Government generally expects a nylon or cotton bunting flag to last approximately 90 days, based on daily usage from sunrise to sunset. Periods of inclement weather will shorten this lifespan. In some cases a flag flown 24 hours a day will last only 1/4 as long as one flown during the daylight hours only.

Good care can greatly prolong a flag’s lifespan, so be sure to regularly clean your flag.

To keep rich colors looking bright, clean your flag regularly. Regular cleaning will stop soiling and discoloration from dirt, smoke, dust and other airborne contaminants from setting into the fabric.

Outdoor flags can be hand-washed with warm water and a mild soap. Do not let the flag stand in water to avoid having the colors bleed into the white stripes.

Professional dry cleaning is recommended for indoor/parade flags. Many dry cleaners will clean flags free of charge when you bring other personal items.