How to Display an American Flag in a Shadowbox

There are two options when displaying an American flag in a shadowbox. Specially shaped boxes can be purchased at local frame and craft shops. These boxes are usually made of wood, have a glass viewing area, and are just big enough to fit a folded flag. Or, the second choice is to create your own box using wood or other similar materials. These boxes can be painted or stained, as you wish.

Folding the flag.

In many cases, the American flag will be folded during a ceremony of sorts. (Retirements and funerals are such examples of ceremonies.) If not, it is incredibly easy to properly fold a flag for display yourself. Using another person to help hold the flag, fold it lengthwise twice so that the flag is one quarter of the original unfolded size. Take the left corner of the stripe side of the flag and bring it to the right side, forming a triangle. Repeat this step, continuing to form triangles until you have reached the star portion of the flag. Carefully tuck the remaining piece of flag into the triangle folds to secure it in place.

Insertion and adornments.

Place the flag inside the shadowbox securely. If desired, add additional items representing the military member inside the box. This can be photos of the person, or those of a specific tour of duty. Add any medals earned in the order they were earned, from left to right. Any other items special to the military member's career and life can also be added.

Finishing.

Once you have finished the display, close the box and secure the lid. By using a shadowbox with a secure lid and glass viewing area, you are preserving the flag and other items inside. Place the shadowbox in an area in which it can be viewed and enjoyed for years to come.

NOTE: The folding technique used in this project is specific to the American flag. If you are honoring a member of another country's military, it is important to check what the folding procedure for that particular flag is. In some cases it will be the same, however it is best to be sure before completing the shadowbox display.