I went to the funeral of a good friend recently… a veteran who served his country well in Korea. The coffin was draped with an American flag. After a brief service, two honor guards conducted the ceremony of giving brief tribute to my friend and folding the flag. They then presented the flag to his widow. I have witnessed this ceremony many times, even once at Arlington National Cemetery. But it always amazes me how perfectly still the burial site becomes as people witness the honoring of the veteran and the flag.
Folding the American flag is not rocket science, but the care of each fold and the crispness and dedication of the officers’ process has always struck me as a wonderful tribute that stops time, if but for a brief moment. Everyone pays keen attention, no one speaks, and the brief ceremony always leaves a lasting impression on those attending. The ceremony ends with the officer presenting the folded flag to the widow or family member and a simple statement:
This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States (Army) as a token of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.
If you have never witnessed this ceremony, you will understand the solemnness and honor of not only the event, but the dedication that the flag represents. This link to such a ceremony may help others understand.
Tim Gilland