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 Flag Folding
Ceremony
The
flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is
a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days,
like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement
ceremonies. Here is a typical sequence of the reading:
(Begin
reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward).
The
flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles
on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the
flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars
representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton
field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when
draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our
country in uniform. In the Armed Forces of the United States,
at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle
fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to
our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out
and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our
belief in the resurrection of the body.
(Wait
for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag
into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing
ready.)
The
first fold
of our flag is a symbol of life.
The
second fold
is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The
third fold
is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our
ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country
to attain a peace throughout the world.
The
fourth fold
represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting
in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in
times of war for His divine guidance.
The
fifth fold
is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur,
"Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always
be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The
sixth fold
is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to
the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
The
seventh fold
is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed
Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her
enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries
of our republic.
The
eighth fold
is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow
of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother,
for whom it flies on mother's day.
The
ninth fold
is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith,
love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and
women who have made this country great have been molded.
The
tenth fold
is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters
for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The
eleventh fold,
in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion
of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in
their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The
twelfth fold,
in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity
and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy
Ghost.
When
the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding
us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."
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Disposal
