Is this recitation an American Legion ceremonial?
I attended well over 100 military funerals from 1966 - 1986, the last few as the NCOIC and flag presenter. We had a simple recitation - “On behalf of a grateful nation, I present this flag as a token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service your loved one rendered this nation.”
The wording had changed slightly over the years, but remained basically the same. The last one I attended had added the words “On behalf of the President of the United States”
I folded the flag a time or two myself,while on active duty.
We always did it silently, and respectfully.
I have never heard that there were “words” involved in folding the flag appropriately.
Why we fold the flag 13 times
http://tinyurl.com/2ubp5x
Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?
Here’s what each of those 13 folds mean:
The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our
ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain
peace throughout the world.
The 4th 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 time of war for His
divine guidance.
The 5th 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 6th 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 7th 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 8th 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.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For 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 has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and
daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King
Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’
eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost
reminding us of our 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, 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.