Veteran's Day at the American Legion

I've never been exposed to the American Legion before our visit to Arizona. Our good friend Mary Johnson is an active Auxiliary member and leader of American Legion Post 66 in Green Valley, Arizona. We had the opportunity to meet some of her friends in Post 66 and attend the Veterans Day ceremonies on Monday, November 11, 2024.

American Legion Post 66, Green Valley, AZ was chartered in 1966 has been welcoming veterans from all branches of our armed forces who qualify for membership based on the rules established by Congress. Today, they continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining their Post enables individuals to continue serving God, country, and community.

Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Riders make up what is known as The Legion Family. All four organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation’s children, caring for veterans and their families, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.

Veteran's Day is a big deal to the American Legion Post 66. They had a wonderful celebration of all veterans on the morning of Veteran's Day which included presentation of the colors, some inspirational speeches, musical numbers by the local high school band, a US flag folding demostration by the Boy Scouts and a fly over by four US Air Force F-35 Lighting II jets in formation.

Probably the most memorable event was the meaning of the flag folding. While I was in the Navy I was a member of a honor guard unit at military furnerals. I was a Boy Scout as a youth and a adult leader in the scouting program when my boys were involved. I've always been a stickler for flag prodocol when our club scouts and later boy scout units handled or displayed the "Colors". However, I never was made aware of the tradition and reason the U.S. flag is folded in the triangle for storage. This was the most meanful part of the ceremony for me.

If you’ve ever attended a military funeral, perhaps you noticed that the honor guards pay meticulous attention to folding the U.S. flag that once draped the casket. Guards make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times to complete the ceremony. Much like every other aspect of our nation’s greatest symbol, each of the 13 folds holds a special significance.

Flag etiquette dictates that every time an American flag is to be stored or presented during a ceremony, its handlers should fold it in half twice lengthwise; then starting with the end opposite the blue field, make a taut triangular fold. Handlers continue to fold the flag in triangles until the flag has formed a triangular “pillow” with the blue field showing on the outside. It’s a dignified way to treat the flag, and gives a powerful touch to patriotic ceremonies.

What Happens After the Flag Folding Ceremony?

The source and the date of origin of this Flag Folding Procedure is unknown. However, some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America while others to an Air Force chaplain stationed at the United States Air Force Academy. Some sources also indicate that the 13 folds are a nod to the original first 13 colonies. The flag folding ceremony is provided as a patriotic service.

This is what the 13 folds mean:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.

3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.

4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.

5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgement 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.”

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 enemies.

8. The eighth 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, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

10. The 10th 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 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

12. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

13. The last fold, 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 has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.