The Folding of The Flag

I meant to post this on Memorial Day - I forgot - I think it is a beautiful tribute to our flag.

Flag Folding Ceremony

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 dresses from left to right and is inverted only when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country honorably in uniform.

In the armed forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle, and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nations honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of the resurrection of the body.

The first fold or our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, who gave a portion of his 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 time of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to country, for in the words of General Robert E. Lee, "Do your duty in all things. You can never do more. You should never wish to do less."

The sixth fold is 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 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 the valley of the shadow of death, that we might again see the light of day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to mothers; for it has been through their faith, love loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers, for they too have given sons and daughters for the defense of our country.

The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The thirteenth fold is a symbol of our thirteen original colonies.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

When the flag is completely folded and tucked, it takes on the appearance of a colonial hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by us, their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.