The Symbolism of Folding the American Flag
While the following unofficial script for flag folding doesn't appear in the
Flag Code and has religious references, it is very popular among many
patriots...
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.
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."
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.