Honoring Old Glory

How to Handle Our Flag With

the Care and Respect It Deserves

Proper Folding Technique

1 Begin by holding the flag at waist height between two people parallel to the ground.

5 Turn the outer point of the triangle inward to align with the open top edge.

2 Fold the lower striped section of the flag lengthwise, up and over the blue field of stars.

6 Continue this triangular folding pattern along the entire length of the flag.

3 Fold again, bringing the folded edge up to meet the open top edge. The blue field of stars should now be visible facing outward.

7 If a tail remains, fold it neatly into the remaining open fold.

4 Bring the striped corner of the bottom folded edge up and over to meet the top edge in a triangular fold.

8 Folding is complete when the flag is in a triangular shape with only the blue field visible.

Follow this folding technique once the United States flag is lowered from its mast or mount: