THE MILITARY FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY

The following, a short explanation of the Flag folding custom used at a military funeral, will give a deeper meaning each time you see one of our departed veterans being honored by such a tribute. Most of our accepted customs have simple origins, and this simplicity includes the meaning placed on each of the thirteen distinctive steps used in making what is referred to as the "Military Fold" for our beloved American Flag.

Once the entourage arrives at the burial site, and the flag-draped coffin of the veteran is readied for interment, the first thing that takes place is the firing of three volleys by a rifle squad. The sharp, precisely-timed crack of the rifles stems from an ancient custom --- a ceremony that actually took place in past years when opposing armies, after calling a halt to their fighting, would remove their dead from the battlefield. Of course, when this grim task had been completed to the satisfaction of the officers, each army would have to signal the other that the fighting could resume, and this was done via a series of three rifle shots that told the enemy they were now ready to get back to the deadly business of war. Today, this rifle salute, still given with three volleys, is used to denote that the veteran resting before us has at last been removed from life's field of battle and is now ready for a more peaceful slumber.

Upon the completion of the always-chilling rifle salute, the soft, haunting melody of "TAPS" is heard by those in attendance. This solemn tribute is rooted in the American Civil War, and our familiar "TAPS" is taken from a French bugle call known as the "TATTOO." It was the last five bars of this traditional "Lights Out" bugle call, after some revision, that was first used by Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, in July of 1862. As the sun set on July 2, 1862, a bugler from the 83rd Pennsylvania Regiment, Private Oliver W. Norton, sent the initial rendition of Daniel Butterfield's beautiful song into the gentle breezes blowing over the war-ravaged Virginia countryside. General Butterfield had at last found the special tribute he needed to honor the men who had perished there; the first recipient of this new bugle call, "TAPS," being a young soldier from Battery "A" of Captain John C. Tidball's 2nd U.S. Artillery Brigade. This dedicated warrior was being buried on the battlefield and this first rendition of "TAPS," indeed the idea for the song itself, was actually prompted by the very presence of an enemy. The fact is that battlefield burial sites were simply too close to an opposing army's camp to be able to use the traditional volley of rifles. Any gunfire could actually bring about a skirmish before the burial was completed.

Although the new melody, prompted in part by Butterfield's desire to replace the sound of rifle-fire, was named "TAPS," this title is derived from an ancient military custom that utilized drums. For years the practice of "tapping" out a rhythm on a drum was necessary when no bugler was available at a burial. However, General Butterfield's new tune, quickly adopted by both Northern and Southern soldiers, soon became the standard for funeral services on both sides. In spite of this bi-partisan popularity, the use of "TAPS" for military funerals did not become an official part of the U.S. Army Code until 1874.

But as the rifle squad is dismissed, and the final notes of "TAPS" fade into the sky, the veteran's casket now sits by the open grave, its draped American Flag perhaps fluttering softly in a gentle breeze. To properly embrace a departed veteran, the American Flag must be placed with the blue union situated over the left shoulder at the head of the coffin. This perpetuates a custom that originated with the Napoleonic Wars when soldiers of that era were borne from the field of battle on a caisson. Mortal remains were covered with the banner of the Nation they represented, and once the burial service was concluded, the Flag was then removed. An American Flag is never permitted to be placed in the grave with the soldier; and since our Flag is never allowed to touch the ground, it is gently lifted from the casket by a squad of three persons, two of them engaged in folding it in the always precise military manner. Once it has been carefully folded, the third person carries it from the grave and presents it to the deceased's next of kin. Now that you know how some of these traditions began, we would like to explain to you the meaning that is attached to each of the thirteen folds used in this solemn flag folding ceremony.

The act of folding of our beautiful American Flag represents the deep religious principles upon which our nation was founded, and the portion of the American Flag denoting "honor" is the blue union. The Flag's "point of honor" also contains the fifty white stars, representative of the states served by the veteran being buried. The fact is that this final honor, a traditional military funeral, can be rendered only to an individual who has served America honorably. If the person being buried is on active duty at the time of their demise, the branch of service involved will provide the American Flag for the casket; and the Department of Veteran's Affairs will supply one immediately for those honorably discharged men and women not on active duty.

Once the American Flag has been raised from the coffin by the bearers, it is stretched horizontally between two persons to receive its first fold in a lengthwise manner, this initial fold serving all Americans as a symbol of life itself.

The second fold, again made lengthwise, concludes with the blue union on the outside, and this fold symbolizes a belief in eternal life.

The third fold, and the first one done in the triangular manner, is put in place in the American Flag in honor and remembrance of the departing veteran. This fold marks the individual as a person who gave a portion of his or her life in defense of our country and to maintain peace throughout the entire world.

The fourth fold of the American Flag denotes our weaker nature; for as concerned American citizens we trust in God and we turn to him not only in time of peace but in time of war as well for divine guidance.

Fold number five, one that is done as a tribute to America itself, is best described in the words of the great Naval hero, Stephen Decatur, when 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 done to show where all American hearts lie. For it is with our hearts 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 of the Flag pays tribute to all men and women of our armed forces, for only through these brave individuals have we protected our Nation and our Flag against all enemies; whether they are within or without the boundaries of the United States of America.

The eighth fold signifies the honor accorded the individual before us, a person who now enters into the Valley of the Shadow of Death so that we might all see the light of another day. It also serves to honor this person's mother, for whom we fly the American Flag on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold of this veteran's Flag pays homage to womanhood, for it is only through a woman's adherence to her faith, her abiding love, her deep loyalty and her unfaltering devotion that the character of all men and women who have made America great has been molded.

The Flag's tenth fold honors America's fathers, and we readily acknowledge that it is the father who willingly gives his sons and daughters for the defense of this great country --- and the sacrifice of a man's children has been a tragic fact of life since this nation began.

The eleventh fold, as it is viewed through the eyes of the Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and it glorifies, in their faith, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It also reminds us of America's acceptance of all religions.

The twelfth fold of this beautiful Flag, as beheld by America's Christian citizen, represents the emblem of eternity --- and glorifies, in their belief, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

The thirteenth and final fold, having created a perfect triangle, displays the stars symbolizing the thirteen colonies, while resembling the traditional "cocked hat" worn by the troops of our Revolutionary War; the first people to defend our nation against tyranny and oppression.

Please take note that, as the bright red and white stripes are gradually folded into the blue union they disappear; thus representing the way each day eventually fades into the blue of the sky here in "The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave."

As it is handed to the next of kin, our beautiful American Flag has given this veteran "Thirteen Farewells." God grant them Eternal Peace.