At a recent flag-folding ceremony, many veterans and widows inquired about the meaning behind each fold conducted by our Air Force Honor Guard. Some had never heard the explanation before. The following is my personal rewrite, which I have used for many services across both military and civilian events.
Our flag represents the democratic and religious principles on which our country was founded. It inspires passion and recalls our shared history. We wear it on our uniforms and fly it at work, at home, abroad and in our barracks. Every evening during the retreat ceremony, our flag is lowered, folded and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead. The next morning at reveille, it is run aloft as a symbol of our belief in new life and resurrection.
The color blue represents vigilance and justice, the stars reside in the heavens and the white stripes represent the pure light emanating from above. The red signifies the blood shed for our nation’s ideals by our military men and women.
THE MEANING OF THE FOLDS
— The First Fold: Represents the one true and almighty God who creates, guides, heals and sustains us with truth and grace. This first fold serves as the integral cornerstone for all others.
— The Second Fold: Embodies our solid belief in both our personal and military families, a bond deeply understood by those with the lived experience of service to country.
— The Third Fold: Denotes the three committed roles of every Airman: “Wingman, Warrior and Leader.” The mission of every Airman and their family is to be freedom’s light in a dark world.
— The Fourth Fold: Constitutes our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions, which, when united under the laws of God and country, yield victory over self and the enemy.
— The Fifth Fold: Represents our unswerving allegiance to our sacred oaths and traditions of honor — that we will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do, both on and off duty, so that we may fly, fight and win with integrity.
— The Sixth Fold: Portrays our proud heritage and remembrance of veterans who gave a significant portion of their lives to the defense of our country, aiming to attain peace both at home and throughout the world.
— The Seventh Fold: Recognizes where the hearts of our Airmen and families lie: “Duty, Honor and Country.” These values are formed by patriots, enshrined in the Constitution and underscored by the Search and Rescue motto, “That others may live.”
— The Eighth Fold: Depicts America’s unfaltering tribute to all courageous guardians of freedom, justice and human rights, principles based on truth, wisdom, moral goodness, beauty and democracy.
— The Ninth Fold: Offers a heartfelt tribute to mothers, who have historically exemplified unending faith, love and devotion to the men and women who built and defend this nation.
— The 10th Fold: Stands as a tribute to fathers who have molded their sons and daughters for the defense of the United States from the day they were born.
— The 11th Fold: Remembers the often forgotten: widows, their children, POWs, MIAs, religious prisoners and the many unsung first responders and heroes who have run the good race.
— The 12th Fold: Signifies the future blessings of God and the fruits of our high calling: love, kindness, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars face the sky, reminding us of the heavenly Trinity and the three cardinal virtues of faith, hope and charity.
The flag I use during these ceremonies was given to me upon my retirement and was flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where those powerful words are etched: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
I pray this reflection adds to your already deep commitment to God and country. Please feel free to use and share it.