How to fold a flag

As a proud parent, you may find yourself attending a ceremony where your child is receiving an award, and the honor involves a flag presentation. The sight of the flag proudly displayed may evoke a sense of tradition and patriotism, prompting you to want to honor it properly. But when you’re handed that flag and tasked with folding it for presentation, anxiety can creep in. You might ask yourself: How do I fold a flag correctly to preserve its dignity and significance during this special moment?

To fold a flag, start by holding it taut and folding it in half lengthwise, ensuring that the blue field (the canton) is on the outside. Next, bring the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, folding it in half lengthwise again. From here, make triangular folds starting from the end opposite the canton. Secure the tip of each triangle by folding it over the previous fold, creating a neat, triangular shape until only the canton remains visible. Finally, tuck the remaining fabric into the folds to secure everything properly.

Folding a flag, especially one that holds sentimental or national significance, is a task that requires care and respect. Begin by laying the flag flat, ensuring it is free of any wrinkles or creases. Hold the flag by its top two corners, bringing the two shorter ends together to fold it in half lengthwise, while making sure that the blue field remains on the exterior.

Next, take the newly formed bottom edge and fold it upwards to meet the top edge again, creating another half-length fold. With the flag in this folded state, it’s time to create the triangular folds. Starting from the end that does not have the canton (the blue field), take one corner of the folded edge and bring it outward at a right angle, forming a triangle. Then, continue to fold that triangle over itself, effectively creating smaller triangles as you work down the length of the flag.

Keep folding until you reach the end of the flag, ensuring that each fold is tight and the fabric is neatly arranged. When you have only the blue field left, tuck it into the folds at the bottom for a polished finish. The final result should resemble a triangle, with the blue field visible and with proper uniformity and crispness. Remember, the flag represents values and traditions, so folding it with respect is paramount.