TO

NITRO
WORLD WAR I BOOMTOWN
MUSEUM
(304) 759-0200
LIVING
MEMORIAL
TO...
W
W
I
OPEN - FRIDAY 10-4 * SATURDAY 9-12 - SPECIAL TOURS WELCOME
Preserving the past for future generations!
FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY - usflag.org

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 states our
veterans served in uniform.  The canton field of blue dresses from left to
right, and is inverted only when draped as a pail on a casket of a veteran
who has served our country honorably 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.

  1. The FIRST fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
  2. The Second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
  3. The Third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion
    of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
  4. The FOURTH fold represents our weaker nature.  For as American citizens trusting God, it is to Him we turn
    in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
  5. 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 is still our country, right or wrong."
  6. 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.
  7. 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 outside the boundaries of our
    republic.
  8. The EIGHTH fold is a triubte 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.
  9. The NINTH fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through her faith, love, loyalty, and devotion, that
    the character of the men and women who have made this country great, have been molded.
  10. The TENTH fold is a tribute to father, for he too has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our
    country since he or she was first born.
  11. The ELEVENTH fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the soul of Kind David
    and King Solomon, and glorifies in thier eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  12. 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 the Holy Ghost.


When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us
of our national motto, "In God We Trust".

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, perservering for us the
rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.