(Please be sure to read the update at the end of the article!)
Like most Americans, I've never been present at a flag folding ceremony. My only exposure to such things has been what I've seen on television and in the movies. I knew that the triangular shape was meant to reflect the tri-cornered hats worn by soldiers in the Revolutionary War, but that's about it. Until recently, I had no idea whatsoever what was said during the ceremony, nor what each fold of the flag is meant to represent.
Now that I do know, I'm utterly appalled.
What follows is a typical ceremonial reading, and is taken from the U. S. Air Force Academy.
"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."
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)
"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.'"
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)
"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."
Unbelievable, isn't it?
The founders of our country are probably spinning in their graves over this. They knew the importance of separation of church and state. It's obvious that the vast majority of Americans today, including those in public office, haven't a clue what it even means.
Can people not even see that this ceremony is offensive to anyone not of the Judeo-Christian persuasion? Actually, they probably can. The sad fact is that they probably don't care. In the eyes of many, you're not a citizen if you're not a Christian… or (grudgingly) maybe a Jew.
Even former presidents have held this belief. (One of whom has a son running for the office next year.)
If our own government and its agencies cannot uphold the Constitutional separation of church and state, why should anyone else want to?
Update... Five years later...
Okay... I guess I got a taste of my own medicine, here. I'm always the one telling people not to believe everything they read, especially when it comes to things found online. And here I fell for one that's false, myself.
There isn't any "official" meaning to the folds of the flag, religious or otherwise. I wasn't very thorough in those days about checking references. Or perhaps I accepted it as true because it sounds like something that would be true. Either way, consider this article an example of how easy it is to fly off the handle about something that isn't even true.
