I just attended a moving Memorial Day Service at our local school.
I was overcome with gratitude & a renewed respect for American Veterans who have given their service to protect our country & our people.
I remember being taught how to properly fold our flag when I was in Girl Scouts, but I don’t recall ever hearing the symbolism behind the flag-folding ceremony. It touched my heart & I pray it will yours as well. Today, the following was read as our American flag was folded.
United States Flag
Stars & Stripes Flag Folding Ceremony
Compliments of the Fort Custer National Cemetery
The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles in which our Country was originally founded.
The Flag: 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 only is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country honorably in uniform.
1st Fold ~ a symbol of life.
2nd Fold ~ a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3rd Fold ~ made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave of a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world not to have been in vain and shall never be forgotten.
4th Fold ~ represents our weaker nature: for as American citizens trusting in God, for it is Him we turn to in times of peace as well as in times of war for His Divine guidance.
5th Fold ~ a tribute to our country: for in the words of the immortal Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our Country, right or wrong.”
6th Fold ~ for this is where our hearts lie – and it is with our hearts 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.
7th Fold ~ a tribute to our armed forces: for it is through these same 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.
8th Fold ~ a tribute to the One who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day: and this fold is made to honor Mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9th Fold ~ a tribute to our womanhood: for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the characters of the men that have made this country great have been molded.
10th Fold ~ a tribute to Father, for he too, has given of his sons for the defense of our country since she was first-born.
We fold the stripes towards the stars: for whereas the stripes represent the thirteen original colonies that founded our republic, and they are now embodied in the fifty sovereign states represented by the stars, so that the stars cover the stripes.
11th Fold ~ for in the eyes of the Hebrew citizen, this represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
12th Fold ~ for in the eyes of a Christian citizen, this represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies in their eyes God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, which reminds 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: and they, followed by their comrades and shipmates in the armed forces of the United States, have preserved for us the rights, privileges, and freedom which we are enjoying today.
After reading the symbolism of our American Flag, may the words, “Happy Memorial Day” bring greater meaning to you & your family as you go about your holiday.
Do you have any close family or friends that have served or are currently serving our country?
