The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services
is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days,
like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement
ceremonies.
Here is a typical sequence of the reading:
(Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward).
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.
Fold the flag in half width-wise
twice. Fold up a triangle, starting at the striped end ... and repeat
... until only the end of the union is exposed. Then fold down the square
into a triangle and tuck inside the folds.