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."
