Fly it on High

by Rev. Clark Wiser, Marquis de Lafayette Chapter, NCSSAR Chaplain

I was born on June 14, 1777.  I am more than just cloth shaped into a design.
I am the refuge of the world's oppressed people.  I am the silent sentinel of 
freedom.  I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth.  I am 

the inspiration for which America patriots gave their lives and fortunes.  I have 

led your sons and daughters into battle from Valley Forge to the bloody ridges 

of Vietnam to the sands of the Persian Gulf and on into the Middle East.  I 

walk in silence with each of your honored dead, to their final resting place 

beneath the silent white crosses, row upon row - to those special graves beneath 

God's earth enshrining those fallen in fields of battle. 

I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity, and amidst it all I
have been respected.  My red stripes signify the burning tears shed by Americans
who lost their sons and daughters.  My stars, clustered together, unify the 50 states
as one, for God and country.  'Old Glory' is my nickname and proudly I wave 
on high.  Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and your fortunes.  Never
let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never return.  Keep alight
the fires of patriotism and strive earnestly for the sprit of your republic, especially
in these times when so many of our men and women are defending our freedom during
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I shall remain the bulwark of peace for all mankind.

When in ceremonial tribute I am smoothed and turned by hands into 13 designed,
creased folds - to be presented with dignity and honor into the hands of those close
to the fallen hero - I am highly preserved.  Each of the 13 folds stands for an immortal
and symbolic  purpose.:

• my first fold symbolizes life.

• the second symbolizes the Christian belief in eternal life.

• my third fold is made in honor and remembrance of veterans who have departed
  our ranks.

• the fourth fold represents our weaker nature as Americans who trust in God.
  my fifth fold pays tribute to our country.

• My heart and yours lie with the sixth fold for it is with our hearts 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.

• the seventh fold pays tribute to our armed forces who protect our country and
  our flag against all enemies inside and beyond our borders. 

• my eighth fold pays tribute to the one who enters the valley of the shadow of
  death, that he or she might see the light of day. 

• the ninth fold pays tribute to womanhood, and mothers. Through their faith 
  and love,  loyalty and devotion, the character of the men and women who have made this 
  country great have been molded.

• the 10th fold pays tribute to fathers, for they, too, have given their sons 
  and daughters for  the defense of our country. 

• my 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King
  Solomon  and glorifies in Hebrew eyes  the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

• the 12th fold symbolizes eternity, and glorifies, in Christian eyes, God the
  Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

• the 13th and my last fold holds the stars uppermost to remind us of our national
  motto, ' In God We Trust'.

After my flag is completely folded and tucked in, I will take on the appearance
of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served with Gen. George 

Washington, and the  sailors and marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones.  

They were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the armed forces of the 

United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we all enjoy.  

Extending upon the centuries I have  been honored, there are many traditions 

and ways of celebration that have deep meaning.

In the future, when you see me as a flag folded, you can assess the reason why.
For me, the folding ceremony is a revelation.