Re: Flag Folding Ceremony

I am a devout and vociferous follower of Jesus Christ, but I fully understand the concept of free will. If someone choses a path during life, and wants it honored at a funeral ceremony as a witness to all those attending, that Veteran should be allowed that freedom of expression. Whether it be acceptance of Christianity, total rejection of God's grace, or some other ideology, the choice should be available. If not, exactly what did the Veteran's service and sacrifice amount to?

Re: Learning to Read

I would have to agree with you on this one wholeheartedly. The article doesn't say that the VA is not going to continue to present the flag. It says that the Government will not participate in the promotion of an erroneous script that applies meaning to 13 different folds of the flag. This is outlined as urban legend on Snopes.com. The ceremony alludes to motherhood and fatherhood and all kinds of bunk.

In my time in the Coast Guard folding and presenting the flag to honor Coast Guardsman, we never used it, the DoD doesn't use it and I would be absolutely incensed if my Government forced me to listen to it when my father passes (an Army veteran). Let's get the facts before we berate our Government for not forcing our literary choices on an unsuspecting public.

Re: Learning to Read

I was surprised to learn that there is a script. I've been to several military funerals, and observed the flag folding and presentation ceremony. No words were ever uttered, it was always a silent and very solemn event. I do agree with the comments that the event should meet the soldier's and his/her family's wishes. I disagree with those who insist god has to be mentioned because it was Christians who founded this country. That's a slap in the face to those Americans, and their non-christain ancestors, who fought and died for this country.

Re: Learning to Read

I've observed the "spoken" flag folding ceremony several times at Air Force retirements. The words varied based on the religious intent of the person being honored. I believe the Air Force did direct the elimination of the religious version of the ceremony.

I'm concerned that the real issue is being lost here. I simply cannot imagine this spoken ceremony being appropriate at a funeral. As one other person noted, the flag is folded into its triangular shape as a practical (and striking) presentation; the words were added by someone to apply meaning where none existed or was intended. The words simply are not necessary when honoring the dead.

Give these veterans their due respect. Remove the flag from the coffin; fold it solemnly and silently; present it with our gratitude. That--by itself--is meaning enough.