How to Fold

• Folding the U.S. flag is a process that has strict regulations. First, bring the bottom edge of the flag to meet the top edge. The flag will now be in half. Repeat the movement to fold the flag into fourths, the blue field should be visible on both sides of the fold. Bring the folded corner opposite from the blue field up to meet the open edge of the flag. This creates a small triangle. Flip the outer point of this triangle 180 degrees to create another triangle, repeat this triangular folding until the entire flag is in the shape of a small triangle. Only the blue field should be visible.
  
  

When to Fold

• The United States flag should be folded whenever it is removed from display. Businesses that fly the flag outside of their buildings are required to fold the flags and store them indoors at night; flags may be flown overnight only if properly illuminated. The flag may not be flown in inclement weather unless an all-weather flag is obtained for that purpose. The flag may never be folded while hung on display, it must always fall free.
  
  

Storage

• When folded and not on display, the flag must be stored in such a manner that it is not in danger of becoming torn, dirtied or otherwise damaged. Letting it touch the ground or floor is illegal and, if done knowingly or maliciously, is punishable by up to a year in prison according to the United States Code, Title 18, Chapter 33, Paragraph 700. A proper storage area for the flag is clean, dry and well ventilated.
  
  

Ceremony

• When a member of the U.S. Armed Forces is killed, her casket is covered with the U.S. flag. The union blue is positioned at the head of the casket, laid over the spot where the deceased's left shoulder lies. Before burial, the flag is folded ceremonially and presented to the family of the deceased in honor of her service and dedication to the United States of America. As the flag is handed to a family member, the presenter recites a phrase detailing the gratitude of the nation and appreciation for the service of the deceased.
  
  

Controversy

• Laws for all U.S. flags, including folded flags, dictate that no act of disrespect should be aimed at the flag. However, some feel that these laws are an infringement upon Americans' rights to free speech as secured in the First Amendment to the Constitution. The U.S. flag has been illegally desecrated in protests and demonstrations against laws, the government, elections and politicians.