Folding the Flag, Ceremony (13 Folds)

[SctDad]

Does anyone have the text for the 13 Folds ceremony out there. I am trying to find this for our B&G and I don't know if the ones that I found are the right ones.

 

If someone could post the text here it would be appreciated.

 

[Bob White]

There is no one official ceremony. Here is a link to one of them. It is used by the US Air Force.

http://www.ushistory.org/Betsy/more/affold.htm

[SctDad]

The one htat I am looking for is the one that describes what each of the 13 fold stands for. I had it at one point, but I cannot find it right now.

[Bob White]

Here is one version of the 13-fold Ceremony

 

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 Mothers 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 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 Spirit.

 

When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nations 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.

 

 

[rjscout]

Same website, different page:

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/folds.htm

 

(This message has been edited by rjscout)

[SSScout]

It needs to be remembered that the US flag folding system is traditional and was created way after the creation of the flags design. The flags proportions just happen to lend themselves to this particular system. The scripts quoted above came after that. As is noted in the last reference, it's authorship is unknown and its religious references maybe inappropriate if used during an "official" government ceremony.

I have seen/heard several scripts using the flag folding as a prompting means. Various purposes, and to varying success. I've even seen/heard one specific to Scouting purpose and history. Once, never again.

It's almost as if folks can't stand a little respectful silence and have to find an "appropriate" way to fill that silence.

 

I am reminded of the country western song by Tex Ritter and Wink Martindale (among others) called The Deck of Cards, where a soldier explains how the deck of playing cards reminds him of the Bible. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deck_Of_Cards

 

If the folds remind you of important things, so be it. But understand that the folds were there first and the important things will be there without the folds.

 

Lots of good discussion in this forum and webwise. Have fun.