American Legion Lawnton Post 998
4700 Derry St.
Harrisburg, Pa 17111
717-564-1015
The flag should be displayed, from sunrise to sunset, on all days when the weather
New Year's Day, January 1.
Inauguration Day.
Martin Luther King's Birthday, Third Monday in January.
Lincoln's Birthday.
Washington's Birthday, February 22.
Easter Sunday.
Mother's Day, Second Sunday in May.
Armed Forces Day, Third Saturday in May.
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Last Monday in May.
Flag Day, June 14th.
Independence Day, July 4th.
Labor Day, First Monday in September.
Constitution Day, September 17th.
Columbus Day, October 12th.
Navy Day.
Veterans Day, November 11th.
Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday in November.
Christmas Day, December 25th.
Election Days (various).
Federally observed dates of the above holidays which may be different from the Such
days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.
State and Local Holidays.


Folding the Flag









1. Bring the striped half up over the blue field.


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.



WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES.


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. We have verified its accuracy at the U.S. Air
Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays Force
Academy Web site [go to main page, then click on "Information", then on "Flags"].

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.
American Legion Lawnton Post 998
4700 Derry St.
Harrisburg, Pa 17111
717-564-1015
American Legion Post 998
4700 Derry St.
Lawnton, Pa 17111
717-564-1015
FLAG ETIQUETTE
Evolution of the United States Flag

Flags of the United States

The Grand Union 1775
Washington's Flag 1775













The Grand Union 1775: Also known as the Continental flag, it is the first true U.S. Flag. It combined
the British King's Colours and the thirteen stripes signifying Colonial unity. George Washington liked
this design so well that he chose it to be flown to celebrate the formation of the Continental Army on
New Years Day, 1776. On that day the Grand Union Flag was proudly raised on Prospect Hill in
Somerville, near his headquarters at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Washington's Flag 1775: This was
the personal flag of the Commander-In-Chief during the Revolutionary War. A reproduction of this flag
flies today at Washington's Headquarters, Valley Forge.



The Bennington Flag
The Serapis Flag:













The Bennington Flag: Used in the Battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777, by Vermont militia. This flag
is the first to lead American armed forces on land. The original is preserved in the museum at
Bennington, Vermont.
The Serapis Flag: Designed with 13 stripes alternating red , white and blue. This flag was raised by
Captain John Paul Jones on the British frigate Serapis during the most famous Revolutionary naval
battle.





Betsy Ross Flag
Star Spangled Banner Flag












Also referred to as the First Stars and Stripes, the Betsy Ross flag was the first official U.S. flag to be
recognized internationally and was adopted by an Act of Congress on June 14, 1777. It is often
believed that General George Washington was instrumental in designing this flag. Two new states
were added to the Union shortly before the War of 1812 and the flag was changed from 13 to 15
Stars and Stripes.  This Star Spangled Banner was the inspiration for our National Anthem written by
Francis- Scott Key.  



Old Glory Flag (48 Stars)
Present Flag (50 Stars)












On April 4, 1818, Congress passed legislation establishing the number of stripes at seven red and six
white with an additional star for every state joining the Union. On July 4, 1912, the U.S. flag grew to 48
stars and  remained the same for 47 years - through two World Wars and the emergence of the
United States of America as the leading nation of the world. Executive Order of President Eisenhower
dated August 21, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered
horizon tally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically. This is the current flag of the United States.
Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state on August 21st, 1959. The 27th flag of the United States
became the official flag on July 4th, 1960.  


Official Flags of the United States

Official Flags of the United States
13-Star 15-Star 20-Star 21-Star 23-Star
24-Star 25-Star 26-Star 27-Star 28-Star
29-Star 30-Star 31-Star 32-Star 33-Star
34-Star 35-Star 36-Star 37-Star 38-Star
43-Star 44-Star 45-Star 46-Star 48-Star

49-Star
50-Star
(I promise to be true)

"to the flag"
(to the symbol of our
country)

"of the United States of
America"
(each state that has
joined to make our
country)

"and to the Republic"
(a republic is a country
where the people choose
others to make laws for
them -- the government
them -- the government
is for the people)

"for which it stands,"
(the flag means the
country)

"one Nation"
(a single country)

"under God,"
(the people believe in a
supreme being)

"indivisible,"
(the country cannot be
split into parts)

"with liberty and justice"
(with freedom and
fairness)

"for all."
(for each person in the
country...you and me!)