Veterans day and the flag folding ceremony

[Cal Blacksmith]

As a vet, I would like to thank all those who have gone before me, to secure our nation and the freedoms that we hold so dear. I would also like to thank all those who have come after me, who continue to serve our nation and secure her liberties for her citizens and the oppressed peoples of the world.

As a personal note, I am proud to say that my Son is in the Navy reserve and will be going active duty on December 16. It might be a bit cold in Great Lakes Il, for basic []

I post here the meaning of each fold of the flag, may it cause us to remember those who have fallen and the ideals for which they served.

Flag Folding Ceremony

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.)

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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."
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.

[SilverSport]

Cal...thanks SO much for writing this...a nice reminder...and thanks to your son for his Service and to all those who Serve...I am in Chicagoland and not far from Great Lakes...it is cold already...

Thanks again,

Bill

[Daddy Dee]

Thanks Cal.

Ous sincerest thanks to those men and women who have served the nation in the military.

[dtel]

It's real simple, like Silversport's line " Like what you've got??? Thank a Vet! " !

I am not a Vet, but really do appreciate all the Veterans and Pow / Mia's, and of course all the people who gave everything for this country, there's no telling where we would be without them.

[Guest " "]

The job is never done....my thanks go out to the Vets that picked up where fellow comrade in arms and I left off.

[J.4knee]

A happy Veteran’s Day, and a heartfelt thank you to my fellow Vet's. I have the privilege of working side by side with a contingent of my fellow Vet’s and right alongside with our current day service members on a daily basis. Today’s young men and women who serve our country are truly an exceptional group. They are asked to do far more with far less than I was in my day. Their sacrifice is immeasurable and their dedication is unwavering. These young men and women represent the absolute best our country has to offer and I am beyond grateful for their service. Indeed if you like what you have “Thank a Vet!”

[tommyboy]

Not to copy what has already been said, but as an Active Duty member of the Armed Forces, I would sincerely like to thank all vets, and future vets for their service. We've all paid our dues to the country in one way or another, and not everyone can say that. I think this Veteran's day is a little more "appreciated" due to our countries bad shape it's in. We've all seen it with our own eyes. If it's not our family, we all know someone who has suffered GREATLY from all this economy crap.

On that note, try to help others who need it. It's almost a daily basis in our household to have our neighbors over for dinner. They lost everything, and I mean everything. House, cars, saved up money, etc. they had due to being laid off in Miami. so they moved down here for a lower cost of living, etc. some of the nicest/ most down to earth people me and my girlfriend have ever met. We've helped them out quite a few times, but it's no big deal because we know they'd do the same for us if the situation was flipflopped.

Anyway, Happy Veteran's day, and thanks for all who have and will serve.

[Tarheel]

Thank you to all who have served and a special thanks to my buddy oldbuckster. I hope this veterans day finds you making the turn to good health.

Thanks Peter Barnett -1st Gulf War

Thanks Phil Keller -Viet Nam and Robert F. Ward (Bob) -Viet Nam. I miss you guys.

[peshewah]

All Vets, past ,present and future. My hat comes off to you. Thank You.

[BLSamuel]

Cal - Thanks for posting. I never knew the meanings of the folds in the flags.

A heartfelt thanks to all veterans, past, present, and future for making this great country what it is and for pretecting us all.

[IB Slammin]

To veterans new and old.

You have my ultimate respect and gratitude for your service and sacrifice to this country. I don't have words to describe the pride that I have in you or the love that I have for you.

USA USA GO STATES!!!!

tc

[flannj]

Veterans, thank you all. God bless.

[HarryO]

Happy Veterans Day. To past, present, and future. God Bless America and it's faithful.

As a Veteran I thank you all for loving this country and supporting all who serve.

Never forget what it takes to keep our country safe, strong, and free.

Harry