A Folded Flag

This website is the work of an old veteran who wore the uniform of his country for 22 plus years. During that time he volunteered from 1970 to 1973 as an NCOIC of militry funeral details out of Offutt AFB, Nebraska. In this capacity he performed 51 funerals or memorial services. He folded and presented the flag to the next of kin to include a pregnant wife and a 10 year old boy. He served during a different time, when the military members were scorned and looked down upon. Most of the military in those days had little choice as they were drafted or volunteered into other branches to keep from getting drafted. He is proud of his service time. He is to old for combat but has spent the last 4 years working parttime on call as aRole Player portraying an Arabic civilian on the battle field ( COB) at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This is training for troops deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has learned to speak short Arabic phrases to improve his role playing ability. He is not ashamed to allow tears to fill his eyes as he see the news concerning those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom. He sometimes wonders if there is more he could have done. Most of the information contained here is a compilation from other places that he feels needs to be openly published.

WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?

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 in God, 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 Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanood; 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 nation's 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. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning.

Johnny Neel & Mike Cullison came together to create a tribute to the service men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Neel & Cullison are noted songwriters from Nashville, TN who have produced a beautiful spoken word song with music that contains the story that many families no the meaning of a “Folded Flag”. Cullison wrote the lyrics after being inspired from his own personal contact with this ceremonial tribute. The first verse is inspired by attending his Uncle’s funeral who was an officer in WWII, and that whole generation who sacrificed much for the better part of their lives during that time in history. In the second verse Cullison wrote about a Native American girl,” Lori Ann Piestewa” from Tuba City, Arizona who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the current Iraq War. The final verse is a reference to all the men and women now willing to give everything, just to be honored with a “Folded Flag”. Their Website.