Military Funerals?

Question

Why is it that people believe everything someone tells them? There is no reason for folding the flag 13 times, for it is actually folded16 times and the US Flag Code does not state a reason, only that it is the way to be folded. There is no sybolism to any of the folds.

There is no 21-gun salute at a funeral. A 21-gun salute is fired by cannon-hence the term gun. A funeral has three rifle volleys consisting of any amount of people, not just seven. Three people is fine. the 21-gun salute is for presidents and dignitaries.

There IS A LAW STATING WHO RECIEVES THE FLAG. The only time a flag does not go to that person is if they want someone else to get it. Check it out-do a google search for a Burial Flag Application...It has the Next-Of-Kin rules right there.

Also, the three rifle casings do not stand for anything, except the three volleys. And according to the flag code, nothing should be put inside the flag, as it is "not a vessel or container."

Answer 1

The MFH team member and the irish guy are correct. I understand what lavadog is saying though. I know the American Legion likes to read something like that at funerals, even though like what they said before, there is no meaning behind the folds. I know the Legion also has it in their funeral honor rules from national that they are to fire to the east. For military funerals there is no direction that needs to be faced for firing...but the Legion seems to think so. I am a full-time MFH Team Member as well, and we had to study all the laws and guidlines from the branches of service as well as the flag code and the rules from the VA to be subject matter experts. I concur with MFH Team Member and the Irish guy..even though the irish guy could have worded his answer better.

Answer 2

Sorry Lavadog, you are WRONG! Someone made that up to make it sound nice. There is nothing in the flag code that states that the folds mean anything. And once again, there are not 13 folds, there are 16. 2 lengthwise, 13 triangles, then the part that gets tucked in also get 1 triangle fold for a total of 16.

Answer 3

They should round up all those jerks and ship them overseas to fight. Not only are they completely ridiculous for hating gay people, they are terrible people for ruining soldier's funerals! Their whole problem is: They think that our soldiers are dying in the war because the military allows gay people to join the service. Isn't that the stupidest crock of **** you've ever heard in your whole life!!! Those people need to get an education and learn some tolerance for goodness sake. They actually think they're doing the soldier's family a favor by doing this!

Answer 4

Hey irish guy....he's talking about the triangle folds...think about it and re-read what you just wrote!!!

Answer 5

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 life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in 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 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 her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to 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 their 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 they were first born.

11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, 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 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 Holy Ghost.

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

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a ****** 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, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Answer 6

While this is an interesting (and I believe true) answer, it is not a question.

Answer 7

Point taken.

Answer 8

Very nice "question statement".

Answer 9

why can't they have it that way if they want it?i guess they have their reasons