Members of the Highlands American Legion Post 370 visited fifth grade students at Highlands School Friday morning to teach a little flag etiquette and what is deemed proper respect and treatment of the United States flag.
Post 370 Commander Ed McCloskey, along with fellow American Legion members Bill Edwards, George Schmitt and Greg Williams demonstrated the proper unfolding and presentation of the American flag during flag raising and lowering ceremonies, when the flag should be flown and how it should be properly displayed.
McCloskey dispelled the myth that if a U.S. flag was dropped to the ground it needed to be ceremonially burned.
“That’s not true,” he said. “If the flag has fallen simply pick it up as soon as possible and dust off any dirt. If the flag is dirty, it can be washed. Otherwise, proceed with your flag ceremony.
Flags should be flown from dawn until dusk unless proper overnight illumination is provided during nighttime hours.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag should be displayed on all days including national and state holidays.
McCloskey explained how the folded flag should be carried, held with both hands visible and placed upon the flag in such a manner as to show others he is unarmed.
He said the 21 gun salute during funerals is the sum total if adding the numbers 1776.
“Their sum comes to 21,” McCloskey said.
By law, the American flag is required to be flown on all government property and buildings.
McCloskey explained the 13 folds of the U.S. flag and what each meant.
As each fold was completed, McCloskey explained its significance.
“The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life,” he said. “The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.”
The meanings of the other folds are:
• 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.
• The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
• The fifth fold is an acknowledgment 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.”
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The ninth fold is an honor 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
McCloskey said, “The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, ‘In God We Trust.’”
