SIZES OF FLAGS
The size of the flag is
determined by the exposed height of the flag pole 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 are as follows:
| FLAG
POLE HEIGHT |
FLAG
SIZE |
| 20' |
4' x 6' |
| 25' |
5' x 8' |
| 40' |
6' x 10' |
| 50' |
8' x 12' |
| 60' |
10' x 15' |
| 70' |
12' x 18' |
| 90' |
15' x 25' |
| 125' |
20' x 30' |
| 200' |
30' x 40' |
| 250' |
40' x 50' |
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WHEN TO DISPLAY YOUR FLAG
The flag of the United States of America should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the
weather permits, especially on:
|
* New Year's Day, 1
January |
* Labor Day, 1st Monday in September |
|
* Inauguration Day, 20
January |
* Constitution Day, 17 September |
|
* Martin Luther King's Birthday, 3rd Monday in January |
* Columbus Day, 2nd
Monday in October |
|
* Lincoln's Birthday,
12 February |
* Navy Day, 27 October |
|
* Washington's
Birthday, 3rd Monday in February |
* Veterans Day, 11 November |
|
* Easter Sunday
(varies) |
* Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November |
|
* Mother's Day, 2nd Sunday in May |
* Christmas Day, 25 December |
|
* Armed Forces Day,
3rd Saturday in May |
* Election Day
(varies) |
|
* Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May |
* Federally observed dates of
the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates |
|
* Flag Day, 14 June |
* Such days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States |
|
* Independence Day, 4 July |
* State and local holidays |
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HOW TO FOLD THE FLAG
As an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of
retreat. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches
the ground. The flag is carefully folded into the shape of a
tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during
the war for Independence. In folding the flag, the red and white
stripes are wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the
darkness of the night. This custom of special folding is reserved for
the United States of America flag only.
|
 |
| 1. |
To properly fold the flag,
begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface
is parallel to the ground. |
| 2. |
Fold the lower half of the
stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom
and top edges securely. |
| 3. |
Fold the flag again
lengthwise with the blue field on the outside. |
| 4. |
Make a triangular fold by
brining the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top)
edge of the flag. |
| 5. |
Turn the outer (end) point
inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle. |
| 6. |
The triangular folding is
continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. |
| 7. |
When the flag is completely
folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible. |
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WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES
Have you ever wondered why the flag of the
United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is
folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran? The flag
folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our
country was originally founded.
The portion of the flag denoting honor is the
canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served
in uniform. The canton filled of blue dresses from left to right and
is inverted only when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has
served our country honorably in uniform.
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.
The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run
aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.
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 glories 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.
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