Traditional 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 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
Jewish 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.