| 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 Veteran's Day.
Here is the sequence of events...
PRELUDE:
The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious
principles on which our country was originally founded [begin reading
as the Honor Guard is coming forward (if performing)]. 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 honorably
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.
PAUSE ... Wait for the Honor Guard (if performing) to unravel
and fold the flag into a quarter fold -- resume reading when Honor
Guard is standing ready.
The BODY:
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The
first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
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The
second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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The
eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into 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.
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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.
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The
tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given
his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since
he or she was first born.
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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.
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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.
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When the flag is completely folded, the
stars are uppermost, reminding
us of our national motto . . . "In God We Trust." |
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PAUSE . . . Wait for the Honor Guard (if performing) to inspect the
flag -- after the inspection resume reading.
POSTLUDE:
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.
Provided by Uniformed Services / U.S. Defense Department |