When we fold our American flag we fold the stripes toward the stars, for whereas the stripes represent the 13 original colonies that founded our republic and they are now embodied in the 50 sovereign states represented by the stars so that the stars cover the stripes on the flag.

The 1st fold of our American Flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrances of the Veterans who have departed their prospective ranks who gave a portion of their life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world, not to have been in vain and shall never be forgotten.
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, for it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for his divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of the immortal Stephen Decatur,