Flag was folded during military honors at a funeral, but was not folded well. Fairly loose and sloppy. Recipient of flag had to somewhat stuff it into flag display, and it just isn't right.

What is the proper etiquette? Can it be unfolded and properly refolded? Left alone? If it can be refolded can anybody do it?

IMO, the proper thing is to ensure it is displayed correctly - so I would just get another person to help me re-fold it properly and get it back in the case looking the way it should.

https://www.va.gov/opa/publica...lebrate/flagfold.pdf

I agree it needs refolded.

Behind closed doors there is no etiquette needed. Show the flag respect but I dont feel any formal/ceremonial action needs to be followed.

If there was a gun salute during the ceremony, the expended brass can be tucked into the folds of the flag.

Refolded and properly displayed. If you are not comfortable in doing the re-folding you might contact a local VFW or American legion post and they should be up to the task. And spent brass should be replaced in side the flag. While as a member/rider with the "Patriot Guard Riders" when retireing a flag (3ftx5ft)that had been flown on the rear of motorcycle during funeral escorts and other escort missions it was given to local Boy Scout/Girl Scout troops for proper honors/ display/ disposal. Made it a learing experiance for the kids. .........................drill sgt.

The Honors were accomplished at the ceremony. Refolding the flag with proper etiquette will not change nor diminish that.

I learned how to fold a flag in Boy Scouts. Another worthwhile skill that many kids are missing.

I have unfolded and laundered my grandfathers flag. Ironed it when it dried out, then re-folded it and stowed it into a glass front triangle display box for my mother.

Placed his dog tag in the box first so that mom can see it. Now she has her mothers and fathers flags in matching boxes.

No ceremony to follow, be respectful for what it is.

I was in elementary school and we raised and lowered the flag daily and being on the flag crew was considered quite a treat

If it wasn’t folded quite right, unfolding and re-folding is no disrespect.

I agree with refolding it. Just keep it off the floor and get a helper or two IOT keep it tight.

Absolutley,refold it properly.

Re-folding is correct.

My Grandfather was cremated, and his flag ceremony was them unfolding, standing cover to the urn, then re-folding the flag and presenting it to my grandmother.

Once we got home, the flag wouldn't fit in the display case, so I unfolded, ironed it, and re-folded it for display.

Only my grandmother and I know about ironing it, but it gives her great joy knowing that we cared enough to do that for him.

Also agree refolded. I found my Dad’s flag in my mom’s house after her death just sitting in a closet on a shelf with about 20 years of dust on it

I had it professionally laundered and then refolded it with my father in law for the display

Thank you to all for the input. We will get it refolded properly so she can display it as it should be.

Pro-tip: the standard-sized flag often will not tuck in properly when you're done, depending on how tightly you pull as you fold it. Try folding in about 4" of the stripes/tail at the beginning; the white edging should then tuck in neatly and be invisible at the end.