FLAG ETIQUETTE
When to Display your Flag
The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather permits, especially on:
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New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day
Martin Luther King's Birthday
Lincoln's Birthday
Washington's Birthday
Easter Sunday.
Mother's Day
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon)
Flag Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Constitution Day
Columbus Day
Navy Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving D
Christmas Day
Election Days (various)
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Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the actual dates. Such days as may be proclaimed by the
President of the United States.
Click to Play Stars and Stripes Forever
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"Lest We Forget"
It is the Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine
who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
Flag Folding
Why the American flag is folded 13 times:
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Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?
Each fold of the U.S. flag has an important meaning.
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 glorifies 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.
1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field.
2. Then fold it in half again.
3. Bring the lower striped corner to the upper edge forming a triangle.
4. Then fold the upper point in to form another triangle. Continue until the entire length of the flag is folded.
5. When you get near the end - nothing but the blue field showing - tuck the last bit into the other folds to secure it.
Flag Retirement
Ceremonies
We consider the proper retirement of American, Texas and other significant flags very important.
The Bandera American Legion Post will conduct as a minimum a Flag Retirement Ceremony on or about Flag Day.
Based on the volume of flags on hand, there may also be another ceremony conducted on or about Memorial Day or Veterans Day. Additional ceremonies may be scheduled partnering with Girl and Boy Scouts, and other organizations participating and we invite you to attend.
Flags can be dropped off at the American Legion Post 157 during business hours or call to arrange turn in. Flags may be left with anyone present and we will take care of them until they can be retired. Please let us know where the flag was flown.
