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."
-
-
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to
inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)
After the flag is completely folded and
tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked 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 their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States,
preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
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