What is the meaning behind the 13 folds of the American flag?

Q. I had a discussion with a friend of mine the other day after a military friend of ours had been laid to rest. The funeral had been taped as well as the burial and the widow was kind enough to share it with us. The question that came out of it was about the meaning of the 13 folds. I can’t begin to tell you about the overwhelming feeling of patriotism and gratitude I get for the sacrifice of this veteran when I hear the words spoken as the American Flag is folded.

The question my friend and I have for you is about the words associated with the 13 folds of the flag. Are these meanings actually an approved military tradition or is this just tradition? Regardless of the answer, (whether they are or not), I definitely want them read at my funeral as the flag is folded for me and then presented to my spouse or next immediate family member.

A. Thank you for your question, especially appropriate for me to include in my column today because it is Flag Day.

The truth is the Federal Flag Code (Public Law 94-344), which is the law regarding the handling and displaying of the American Flag, does not include anything regarding either the significance or the meaning of the 13 folds of the flag. The original code was approved by Congress in 1923 and, although it has been revised several times, it still does not contain a code regarding the subject.

No one really knows who actually wrote the meanings or when they were written, but they have been considered the traditional meaning of the folds and were actually mentioned in many governmental and military manuals as well as recited at numerous military funerals; however, in October of 2007, the National Cemetery Association banned the practice of reciting these meanings at all national cemeteries.

But, that ban only lasted a few days because on Oct. 20, 2007, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement that the meanings of the folds of the flag can be read at the graveside of a veteran if that is the wish of the family. I say: Thank goodness!

Here are those traditional meanings:

• 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 the 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, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times 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, and to honor Mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s 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 has 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 eyes of a Christian citizen, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
• The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded: 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 Gen. George Washington, and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones, 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.

Thank you again for your question and God Bless America every day and especially today, Flag Day!