Flag Day June 14, 1777: The 13 Folds of the US Flag

Flag Day is June 14th and it was on this day in 1777 when the 2nd Continental Congress adopted the Flag of the United States.  It is also 2 years after the Continental Army was created to fight the British in our War of Independence.

In 1916 the President of the United States of America, Woodrow Wilson declared June 14th to be Flag Day.  In 1949 by an Act of Congress National Flag Day was established.

Some time ago when I, Publius Jr, read the book, SEAL of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt Michael P Murphy, Congressional Medal of Honor Winner (awarded posthumously) I ran across a reference to the 13 folds of the US Flag.  It is very interesting what the 13 folds of the US Flag mean.  Below is a video that best explains it, narrated by Ann M Wolf.  ~~ Publius Jr.



The above information about Flag Day came from Wikipedia.

The text below is from the militaryfoundation.org


The 13 Folds of the Flag

The 1st fold of our Flag is a symbol of life

The 2nd fold of our Flag is a symbol of our belief in eternal life

The 3rd fold of our Flag is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our 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 in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time 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 to 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 are 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.

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 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 Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or 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, 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.


June 14, 1775 is the US Army’s Birthday

June 14, 1946 is President Donald Trump’s Birthday


This post was posted originally on June 13, 2017 on this website. ~~ Publius Jr.

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