Lyrics

THE FLAG-FOLDING CEREMONY
(This is the script as it appears on the album, “Speak of Freedom,” by Ann M. Wolf.)

Opening Remarks: If you have ever attended a memorial service or funeral of a veteran, you may have seen the beautiful and very moving “Flag-Folding Ceremony,” performed with articulate precision. Every movement has a special meaning, often pointing to our spiritual roots as a nation and the principles upon which it was founded.

At a military event, the “Flag-Folding Ceremony” honors the soldier and demonstrates respect to his or her family, especially at the moment when the fully folded Flag is being presented to a close relative of the veteran being honored. But have you ever wondered, “What is the meaning of each fold?” Let’s explore.

The Folds of the Flag:

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 veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country as well as for the cause of the attainment of peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens, we trust in God, and 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, and to better understand this important fold, let us look to the words of Stephen Decatur, a United States Naval Officer who served during the early years of our Nation’s history. He said, “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 remembering that 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 are 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 it is also a fold to honor mother for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through women that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded with qualities such as faith, love, loyalty, and devotion to God, Country, and family.

The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers for they too, have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our country.

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 of 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 the Holy Ghost.

With regard to the Canton field of Blue, this portion of the Flag 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. And when the Flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Concluding remarks: Also, important to know, is that when 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. It also reminds us of 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 which we enjoy today.

I invite you to explore all sources of information to learn more about our Flag, its history, and the proper way to display and care for our Flag. May you always know joy in your soul and pride in your heart when you see our Flag on display. May you always remember the sacrifice of those who served in uniform and of their families, all throughout the decades in preservation of our Freedom.

And may we keep a prayer on our lips for our nation that we might always see her wave over the land of the free and our home of the brave.

NOTE: This is one of several versions of the Flag-Folding Ceremony as performed by certain Honor Guards in the State of Tennessee, all of which are in the public domain. Small edits made by Ann M. Wolf were for the purpose of the creation of audio/visual content for public education and enrichment.

Though there are variations in the various interpretations of the Folds of the Flag, the priority is to perform or recite this ceremony with a sense of reverence and respect toward the Price of Freedom and those who have served in harm’s way on our behalf.