Sunday, May 24, 2009

Memorial Day: Folding the flag

I spent more than an hour over at YouTube looking for a good video to share with you all on this Memorial Day. My selection might surprise you, but I hope it will move you to spend a few minutes giving thanks for those brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country.

Near the end of each funeral conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, the American flag covering the military service member's casket is carefully folded into a neat triangle and presented to the next of kin.

"It's done very reverently because...it's the token of gratitude from our nation to [the service member's] family."




4 comments:

Pilgrim said...

We went out to the Wright Patt Air Force Museum in Dayton yesterday. There were a lot of veterans touring the place. It's a good place to spend Memorial Day.

Brenda Coulter said...

We've been there. Fantastic museum.

Mrs. H said...

Watching your video on D-Day, June 6th, I am very moved by the symbolism of folding the flag and presenting it, with all it represents, to the next of kin. I love the reverence and honor accorded to our proud red, white and blue, and all it stands for!

Brenda Coulter said...

I once attended a military funeral and found it deeply moving. I did not know the deceased, but was there to support his daughter. But I have to tell you, the flag thing had me in tears!