(copyright-Inpsiro, 1999)
Alone among the great nations of the world, Americans define their identity outside the boundaries of geography,
or common ethnic ancestry. For us there is no fatherland; nor can most of us trace our ancestors back five and
six generations or more, as the British, French, Norwegians, and Irish so proudly do.
We are instead a people who have come from every corner of the globe, most of us in the last century, and all of us in pursuit of a most noble and remarkable vision-that in this land men and women could live in freedom and
and liberty with their God-given rights respected.
It is, therefore, a common creed, not common ancestral roots, which binds us together. That creed was best
expressed in the Declaration of Independence which announced, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all
men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these
are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Americans are forever indebted to those who pledged their lives
and fortunes and sacred honor to make this experiment to ordered liberty possible.
"Gratitude," G.K. Chesterton wrote, "is the mother of all virtue." As Americans we have reason to be filled with
with gratitude to God who gave us the opportunity to come to this land and to live in freedom, gratitude to our
Founding Fathers who set forth those principles that constitute our creed, and gratitude to following generations
who have defended us.
This should inspire and encourage in Americans a sense of civic duty and responsibility far greater than loyalty
to state or ancestry. When in the Korean War my turn came to serve my country, I saw it as not only my duty,
but a privilege. Grateful for my liberty, I could do no less than my duty to protect it.
The history of the past 225 years shows what a difference loyalty to principled beliefs can make. America has never sought war of expansion. It has sought to liberate and restore those it has defeated. It has shared its bounty
and wealth with the poor. It has rescued the suffering. It has done this not because the fatherland orders it, but
because our devotion to human dignity-it is a vision, a noble idea-and for that extraordinary difference, Americans
should give thanks to God each day and pledge anew to do their duty out of gratitude to Him and to our Founding
Fathers. Charles W. Colson, Chariman-Prison Fellowship Ministries
U.S. FLAG-FOLDING CEREMONY
The flag-folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services Code is a dramatic & uplifting way to honor the
United State flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, & is sometimes used at retirement cere-monies and funerals.
The following is to be read as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward:
"The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right & is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.
"In the Armed Forces of the United States, 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."
Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel & fold the flag into a quarter fold-resume reading when
Honor Guard is standing ready:
"The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor & remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for
the defense of our country to attain a 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 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 & 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
womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men & women
who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given
his sons & 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 position of the seal of King David & King Solomon, & glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an
emblem of eternity & 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.'" Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag-after the inspection, resume reading:
"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 & the sailors & marines who served under Capt.
John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades & shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States,
preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today."