Flag-folding ceremony
The American Legion Post #136 Honor Guard recently visited Pine Island Elementary School to present a flag folding ceremony for the students. Approximately 150 students were assembled in the cafeteria.
Post Commander Tom Lewis opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone.
“Thank you for allowing us to come here today,” Lewis said. “We are Pine Island’s American Legion Post #136 and with us today we have Pat and Nancy McCarn from the Coast Guard Auxiliary and we’re here to present this flag folding ceremony to you.”
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, all-volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. The McCarns are with Flotilla 9-10 in Cape Coral.
As the Honor Guard marched into the cafeteria, Nancy McCarn read the “Meaning of Flag-Folding Ceremony.”
“The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded,” he read.
“The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted only when draped as a pall on the casket of a veteran who has served our country honorably in uniform.
“In the U.S. Armed Forces, 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.”
Once the Honor Guard was in position the flag folding ceremony began. Nancy McCarn explained the symbolism of each of the 13 folds.
“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, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
“The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; 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 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 our 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 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
“The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, 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 12th 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.’
“After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat. The cocked hat reminds us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones. It also reminds us of the soldiers and sailors who followed in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.”
After a brief question-and-answer period, Commander Lewis addressed the students.
“We are very proud to be here today,” Lewis said. “This is a solemn ceremony and you all were very quiet and respectful. Thank you very much for inviting us.”
“We are very honored to have hosted this flag folding program,” PIE Principal Steve Hook said. “We hope our students gain new respect for the flag and for the flag folding ceremony and we are very honored to partner with the Legion.”