The 13-Fold Flag Ceremony: Meaning, Procedure, and Family Etiquette

The thirteen folds and their meanings

The first fold is symbolic of life. The second represents the belief in eternal life. The third is in honor and remembrance of those who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country. The fourth represents weakness and the trust placed in higher guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to the country. The sixth represents where the heart lies. The seventh is a tribute to the armed forces. The eighth pays tribute to the veteran's mother. The ninth is a tribute to womanhood. The tenth pays tribute to the veteran's father.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of Christians, represents the emblem of eternity. The thirteenth and final fold places the stars uppermost — reminiscent of the country's national motto, "In God We Trust."

These traditional meanings are not codified in federal law and are not formally adopted by the Department of Defense. They circulate widely in funeral programs and have been recited at countless services since at least the 1970s, but the DoD's official position is that the fold is procedural, not symbolic. Families may include or omit the meanings as they choose.

The procedure, step by step

1. Two members of the honor detail receive the flag from the casket, drawing it taut horizontally above the casket.
2. The detail folds the bottom striped half up to meet the top blue-fielded half.
3. The detail folds again to bring the bottom edge up to the top blue field.
4. Beginning at the striped end opposite the blue field, the detail makes a triangular fold by bringing the corner up to the open edge.
5. The detail continues folding triangularly, pulling each fold tight, working toward the blue field.
6. On the thirteenth fold, the entire striped portion has been folded into the triangle, leaving only the blue field with stars visible on the top.
7. The senior detail member receives the folded triangle and walks forward to the next of kin.
8. The detail member kneels on one knee and presents the flag with both hands, the blue field uppermost facing the recipient.

The presentation phrase

The standard phrase is: "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States [branch], and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

Variations exist between branches and individual detail leaders. Some include the deceased's rank or the branch motto. The recipient is not expected to speak in return; a small nod is the conventional acknowledgment. Some families respond with a soft "thank you" — neither response is incorrect.

Care of the folded flag after the ceremony

The folded flag is conventionally displayed in a triangular display case with the blue field uppermost and visible. Display cases are not provided by the VA; families purchase them separately. Most funeral homes maintain a small inventory and offer the case at cost, typically $40–$200 depending on materials (cherry, oak, walnut).

The folded flag should not be unfolded for casual display. If display in flat form is desired, the family should purchase a separate display flag. The folded ceremonial flag remains folded.

The flag is meant to be passed down through the family. Some families pass it to the eldest male; others to whoever served closest to the deceased. The Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 7) does not prescribe inheritance.

If the flag is damaged or worn

When a folded ceremonial flag becomes damaged or unfit for display, federal law (4 U.S.C. § 8(k)) directs that "the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

VFW posts, American Legion chapters, and Boy Scout troops conduct flag retirement ceremonies at no charge. Families do not need to perform the retirement themselves; bringing the flag to a local VFW post fulfills the requirement.

Where to get help

VA Burial Benefits help line: 1-800-827-1000 — 8am–9pm Eastern, weekdays. Operators can pre-screen eligibility and answer specific questions.

National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 1-800-535-1117 — 24/7, for active funeral arrangements only. Not for general questions.

DoD Honors Coordination: 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667) — for honors requests inside 72 hours of service time.

Veterans Service Officers (VSO) at VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV, or county Veterans Affairs offices — file claims and appeals at no charge.

VA.gov — official documentation, downloadable forms, claim status tracking.