One person would recite as three people folded the flag:
(This is probably not the exact text we recited, but it is close enough.)
The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th 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 time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th 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 6th 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 7th 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 8th 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.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, 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.
Commentary
People, your Republic is being incrementalized right out of existence. Our traditions and history are being removed before our very eyes.
**Update** Congressman Heath Shuler has addressed this issue, and posted it yesterday to his AC-T Blog:
This afternoon I led dozens of my colleagues in sending a letter to the Acting Secretary of the Department Veterans Affairs, Gordon Mansfield, asking him to reconsider the VA’s recently announced policies banning the traditional flag-folding recitations by Memorial Honor Detail volunteers.Source: Heath Shuler Blog (Be sure you read the whole thing.)
During tens of thousands of veteran’s funerals the Memorial Honor Detail have folded the flag draping the coffin and recited the significance of each of the thirteen folds to the surviving family. The Military Times reported on Friday, October 26th that a complaint from Riverside (CA) National Cemetery over the recitation for the 11th fold caused the nationwide ban on the recitations. The recitation for the 11th fold is, “The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David & King Solomon, glorifying the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.”
To disallow a heartfelt ceremony important to the surviving family of so many veterans because one person protested one recitation makes no sense to me. The veteran whose funeral these recitations are being read at fought to protect our Nation and the right to freedom of speech and religion embedded in our Bill of Rights.
My letter, signed by 27 of my colleagues, asked that the Acting Secretary reconsider the policy and allow the Memorial Honor Detail volunteers to perform these traditional flag-folding recitations if requested by the family of the deceased.
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