Posted by
Katy Grimes on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 6:31:33 PM
I have attended several military retirement ceremonies as well as Eagle Scout courts, and witnessed the beautiful flag folding ceremony.
The following is the Flag Folding Ceremony and presentation:
Please watch and listen as this flag is unfolded in your honor. The canton of blue with its blazing white stars representing the states will shine forth, the bold red and white of the stripes representing the commitment of the first colonies will leap into your eye. The combined colors or red, white and blue representing hardiness and valor - purity and innocense - and finally, perserverance, vigilance and justice, will not only testify to the qualities of our nation, but will also give testimony of your service. Reflect, if you will, as this flag is unfurled and folded again, not only of the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women that have gone before you, but of your sacrifices and achievements. As this flag is unfolded, so should the memories of your career unfold within your mind.
As the flag is secured, please attend to the meaning of the folds for they represent the same principals on which our country was originally founded.
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their life to help attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth represents our weaker nature. 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; 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 where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts, 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 force. It is through the armed forces that we protect our country against all her enemies.
The eighth fold is a tributre to the mothers in our nation, for whom it flies on Mother's Day. It is through their nurturing care that the patriots of this nation have sprung.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, 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 to to father. He too, has given his sons and daughters in the defense of our country, and through his faith, love, loyalty, and devotion, patriots have been born.
The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King Davis and King Solomon and glorifies God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold represents an emblam of eternity and glorifies God our father.
The thirteenth fold reminds us of the struggle of the thirteen colonies as they launched the grand experiment - a democracy we proudly call the United States of America.
When the flag is folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded and tucked, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and of all the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen before us who have given life and liberty to preserve our freedom.
As you receive this symbol of our mighty nation, know that we wish you good luck and God speed.