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The flag gets folded into a triangle because it is actually meant to resemble a tri-cornered hat, like the ones worn by George Washington and other soldiers who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. By the end of the folding, the flag’s red and white stripes should no longer be visible.
What does a flag in a triangle mean?
In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead.
Why is the flag folded a certain way?
The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. 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.
Why is the US flag folded 13 times?
This is what the 13 folds mean: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
Why can’t red show on a folded flag?
The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. It is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.
Who gets the folded flag at a military funeral?
2. Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag? Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it.
How many folds do you need to fold an American flag?
Each of the 13 folds of the flag holds great significance. At the ceremony of retreat, a daily observance at bases during which all personnel pay respect to the flag, “the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead.
Which country flag is triangle?
Nepal is the only country today that does not have a rectangular national flag. Its flag consists of two united pennant (triangular flag) shapes.
Can you fly a flag that has been on a casket?
May a person, other than a veteran, have his or her casket draped with the flag of the United States? Yes. Although this honor is usually reserved for veterans or highly regarded state and national figures, the Flag Code does not prohibit this use.
Why is the flag backwards on military uniforms?
The idea behind the backward American flag on army uniforms dates back to at least the Civil War which took place between 1861 and 1865. Mounted cavalry and infantry units would appoint a bearer to carry the flag into battle. The forward momentum as the bearer charged caused the flag to stream back.
Are you supposed to burn the flag if it touches the ground?
Does the flag have to be destroyed if it touches the ground? Answer: However, you are not required to destroy the flag if it touches the ground. As long as the flag remains suitable for display, even if washing or dry-cleaning (which is an acceptable practice) is required, the flag may continue to be displayed.
Is it disrespectful to fold a flag wrong?
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.
What do Marines say at a funeral?
“On behalf of the President of the United States, (the United States Army; the United States Marine Corps; the United States Navy; the United States Air Force or the United States Coast Guard), and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful Oct 13, 2021.
Can one person fold an American flag?
To properly fold the American flag, follow these directions: To begin, with one person at either end, hold the flag waist high so that’s its surface is parallel to the ground. Continue the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.
Who gets a 21 gun salute at their funeral?
Today, the U.S. military fires a 21-gun salute in honor of a national flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the president, ex-presidents and president-elect of the United States.
Do firefighters get flags on their caskets?
All of these functions require up to 18 people, with designations and training needed for those responsible for standing guard at the casket, carrying the flags, folding the flag that draped the casket, and performing other duties. Each firefighter stops briefly at the casket to pay tribute to the deceased.
Does the oldest child get the military flag?
The military flag is given to the deceased’s next of kin.
What is said when a flag is presented at a funeral?
The Flag Presentation Protocol is as follows: “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”.
When would you fly a flag upside down?
According to U.S. Flag Code, the flag should never be displayed upside-down “except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”Sep 30, 2021.
Which national flag has a Bible on it?
What you probably didn’t know is that the Dominican Republic is the only country in the world to have an image of the Holy Bible on its national flag. Yes, it’s true! The national flag is formatted blue-red-blue-red with a white central cross. When used for official purposes, it includes the coat of arms.
Why do so many flags have crosses?
Many predominantly Christian states show a cross, symbolising Christianity, on their national flag. The so-called Scandinavian crosses or Nordic crosses on the flags of the Nordic countries–Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden–also represent Christianity.
What is the only flag that does not have four sides?
The national flag of Nepal is the world’s only national flag that is non-quadrilateral in shape. The flag is a simplified combination of two single pennons, the vexillological word for a pennant. Its crimson red is the color of the rhododendron, the country’s national flower.
