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Flag Folding Ceremony
I ran across this website while doing Flag research, and I found it revealing and compelling. Thank you, Mrs. E, for having the fortitude and courage to post and keep it posted. We at the Flag-Keeper certainly want to share this great poem with the fans of the Flag-keeper. We recognized that this is not an Official Explanation of the Flag Folding Ceremony; however, the poem cuts deep into the hearts of us who see it for what it is…Giving Honor to those who protect our way of life in this great country, America. Thank you to the unknown author and to Mrs. E at www.Im4kidz.org. Below is Mrs. E’s statement of defense regarding a negative post to her site for sharing the poem, interestingly enough, from a veteran…?
“While the author of this article is unknown, it’s been brought to my attention that it’s untrue and while there are no actual 13 folds, I feel these 13 folds of flag are in fact true to those who’ve lost a loved one. The heartfelt meanings are there whether there are words or not. Thank you for your service Mr. Lee. As the mother of three Marines and a family member of many who have served this great United States, I do have very strong feelings regarding our flag and how it is handled and regarded. It is my intention to bring a positive view to my patrons and there will be those who disagree…But isn’t that what living in this Free America is all about? God Bless America and those who keep her free!”
-Mrs. E
“Why the American Flag Is Folded 13 Times”
Have you ever wondered why the Flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the next of kin at the burial of a veteran?
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means:
- The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
- The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
- The third 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 fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in
- times of peace as well as in time 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 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.
- The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, 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 tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were firstborn.
- 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 Spirit.
- 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, 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.
The next time you see a Flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our Flag and our Country.