THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES
OLD GLORY
I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy,
Guam. Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I was there.
I led my troops,
I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me.
And I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle- it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY - LONG MAY I WAVE
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN - LONG MAY I WAVE

THE FLAG
          The flag is the symbol of our nation. The union, white stars on a field of blue, is the honor point of the flag, the right being the place of honor. The union of the flag, and the flag itself when in company with other flags is always given the honor position, i.e. the marching right, the flag's own right; or the observer's left facing the flag. If illuminated, it may be displayed at night during special events. Learn how to properly fold the flag (SH 21-25, p. 12). Your course requirements will be covered in an on-site class.

THE FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY
          The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies.
          Here is a typical sequence of the reading:
          (Begin reading 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 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 in to 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 and 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 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 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 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."

HOW TO FOLD THE COLORS
Step A: To fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with one or more other persons so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step B: Fold the lower half of the Fly section lengthwise over the Field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step C: Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step D: Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.
Step E: Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.
Step F: The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner. Step G: Continue folding until the field of stars is in a triangle and only the hoist is left exposed.
Step H: Tuck the hoist into a fold of the field. When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

How to Fold the Colors (2)

HOME

Contact the webmaster:
Major Dave Gowan
IT Sec  HQ   SCSG
dgowan@tfn.net