Veterans Demonstrate Meaning of Flag’s 13 Folds at Flag Day Ceremony
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From left: Andy Janda of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 870, Scott Jones of the La Grange American Legion Post 102 and Bernard Svatek of Flatonia American Legion Post 94 conducted the flag folding ceremony at the Fayette County Flag Day Celebration on Sunday, June 14. Photo by Andy Behlen
The Fayette County Flag Day Celebration on Sunday included a flag-folding ceremony conducted by local veterans.
As the flag was folded, Schulenburg American Legion Commander Bob Heinrich narrated the meaning behind each of the 13 folds.
The first fold symbolizes life, and the second fold symbolizes the belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in memory and honor of the veterans departing the ranks, “who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world,” Heinrich said.
The fourth fold represents trust in something greater. As Heinrich put it, “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 made in tribute to the Nation. Heinrich paraphrased the famous words of Commodore Stephen Decatur: “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, whether it is right or wrong.”
The sixth fold represents the pledge of allegiance: “The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie,” Heinrich said. “It is with our hearts that we pledge allegiance.”
The seventh fold is made in honor of the armed forces.
“For it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all our enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic,” Heinrich said.
The eighth fold is made in honor of those who have passed and the mothers who held them dear, and ninth fold is made in tribute to motherhood itself.
“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 have been molded,” Heinrich said.
The tenth fold honors fathers.
“He, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country, since they were first born,” Heinrich said.
The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, representing the Hebrew legacy in our nation’s history. The twelveth fold represents the emblem of eternity.
“It glorifies, in the Christian’s eyes, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,” Heinrich said.
As the 13th fold is made, the stars on the flag are uppermost, recalling the 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,” Heinrich said. “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 our comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States to gain our independence from England in 1776.”