Flag Display Case: A Proper Way to Display an Honored Flag

A flag display case is a great option whether you have received a burial flag for a deceased Veteran, or just want a decorative way to display a flag indoors.

A flag should always be respected. Especially when that flag represents all the great things America stands for. Things like liberty, justice, freedom, and service to your country.

Did you know that burial flags are provided free of charge for most veteran funerals? When my father passed away in 2002, our family not only received a flag, they also provided military honors at his funeral.

No, he wasn't a war hero...at least not to anyone but his family. Or then again, maybe he was. After all, he left the comforts of home in his youth to fight for what he believed in during World War II.

And for that service, our family received a full-sized American flag. And that brought up the question of how to properly display it, with the honor it so fully deserved.

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How to Fold the American Flag

First and foremost, no part of the flag should ever touch the ground!

The proper folding of an American Flag will require a minimum of two people. When the military performs the flag folding ceremony, there are six who partake in the actual folding of the flag. Some longer flags, such as burial flags, may need more than two people to fold.

There are seven basic steps to the proper folding of an American flag:

Step One: Stretch the flag out at waist height between the folders. Make sure it stays parallel to the ground.
Step Two: Fold the lower section (the stripes) lengthwise up and over the top starred section. Keep the corners firmly in hand and the flag stretched to keep it from wrinkling.
Step Three: Make another lengthwise fold, keeping the blue starred field on the outside.
Step Four: Begin the triangular folds. Take the folded edge of the striped corner up to meet the open edge of the flag.
Step Five: Bring the point of the first triangle toward the field of stars, keeping the edges even with the top of the flag.
Step Six: Keep making these triangular folds until the flag is completely folded.
Step Seven: Your properly folded flag should have only the blue starred field visible, no stripes should show.

Military Flag Folding at Arlington National Cemetery

Retiring Old Glory

If you display a flag outside with a flagpole, it is likely that eventually your flag will need to be replaced. Which brings up the question of what to do with the old one.

It is still a symbol of America, and should be treated with respect. There are a few options open to you to retire your old flag:

Contact your local American Legion Post as they sometimes offer proper flag disposal services.
Burn it in a dignified manner. This is NOT disrespectful! In point of fact, the US Flag Code states that burning a flag is the preferred method of disposal for a flag which is no longer a fitting emblem of our country due to disrepair.
Don't destroy it...display it! When folded properly and placed in a flag display case, your Old Glory can be a great addition to any patriotic display.


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Display Case Sizes

These display cases for flags are designed to fit one of two standard flag sizes. Be sure you get the right size for your flag!

Burial flags are generally larger at 5 feet by 9.5 feet. Most other flags are 3 feet by 5 feet.

These great cases not only come in different sizes, they also come in a multitude of different finishes too. If you don't see the one you like on this page, check out Amazon's full line of Flag Display Cases. They have thousands of listings to choose from!

Updated: 04/28/2013, belinda342

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belinda342 on 04/30/2013

Pawpaw: That would be a great heirloom to pass down. I truly do love them as they give us a way to show respect for our country and sometimes for those who served it well.

pawpaw on 04/29/2013

Flag display cases are an excellent idea for people who have a special flag. I have one in our house. It goes to my oldest son some day.

belinda342 on 10/15/2012

You both bring up a very good point. Although you may have to search online for the proper way to fold a different flag to display nicely in the case, that information is surely online. I would put it here, but there are simply too many flags to cover! Thank you all for your comments.

katiem2 on 10/15/2012

What a great idea, I (like so man others) never knew you could buy a flag display case so easily, one of those things we don't think about. But you have brought up a very good need. I have a flag pole in my front yard where I fly St. Andrews Flag, in honor of my country and the American flag our new homeland where many of my ancestors immigrated to. The flags become tattered and worn over time. I like the idea of placing them in a nice case. The St. Andrews flag I am currently flying came from a dear friend in Scotland. It is an especially meaningful flag I would like to treasure. Thanks for the great article teaching me that I can do exactly that. :)K BTW yes there are several veterans in my family.