How to Fold a Burial Flag Into a Triangle
If the flag was unfolded after the service, or you want to refold it before placing it in a case, here is the traditional way. It takes two people and about five minutes.
Step by step
- Hold it flat. Two people hold the flag waist-high, level with the ground, stars on the left.
- Fold in half lengthwise. Bring the bottom stripes up over the stars.
- Fold in half lengthwise again. Bring the folded edge up to meet the open edge. The stars should now be on the outside, on the left end.
- Start the triangle. At the striped end (opposite the stars), fold one corner up to the top edge to make a triangle.
- Keep folding. Turn the outer point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a new triangle. Repeat along the whole length of the flag.
- Tuck the end. When only a small rectangle of the blue field is left, tuck it into the pocket of the folds. Only the stars should show.
The traditional ceremonial fold uses 13 folds. Don't worry if your count is a little different; a neat, tight triangle is what matters.
Tips for a neat fold
- Keep the flag pulled taut the whole time.
- Make every triangle the same size so the edges line up.
- Never let the flag touch the ground.
Placing it in a case
Set the triangle in the case with the straight edge along the bottom and the stars facing out. A snug fit keeps it from shifting. Our flag display cases are sized for the standard 5′ × 9.5′ burial flag folded this way.
