|
Steps to fold your US
flag correctly: |
The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on
which our great country was originally founded.
The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of
blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in
uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is
inverted only when draped as a pall on the 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.
- 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 and
who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain
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 enemies,
whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our
republic.
- 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 our 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 he or she was first born.
- The eleventh fold,
in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, 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.”
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
|
