CLOSING CEREMONIES

Flag Folding Ceremony
Alapaha Area Council

The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like The Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies.

Here is a typical sequence of the reading:

(Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward).

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded.  The portion of the flag that denotes honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead.  The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.  The Honor Guard should make each fold after the reading is complete.)

• The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
• The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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."
• 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 her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
• 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.
• The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the characters of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 cocked 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.

[This Flag Folding Ceremony is from the US Air Force Academy]

Patriotic Ceremony
St. Louis Area Council

Personnel: Cubmaster and six boys

CM:         I asked myself a question today, “What does it mean to be an American?” There were several answers and they were all good.

• Freedom to think and to say what I think.
• Freedom to worship as I please.
• Freedom to move about.
• Freedom to try, and freedom to fail.
• Freedom to stand up straight and look the world in the eye.
• Freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

CM:         These freedoms were not of my doing.  They were here long before I was born.  My forefathers and yours fought to win them.  I have four guarantees they will remain, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, my fellow Americans, and myself.  No man could ask for more.

I Am Your Flag
Alapaha Area Council

Patriotic Closing
Baltimore Area Council

•  (Turn Red Light on) The red of my flag is the 1ifeblood of brave men ready to die or worthily live for this, our country.
•  (Turn White Light on) The white of my flag is for purity; cleanliness of purpose, thought, word and deed.
•  (Turn Blue Light on) The blue of my flag is for truth and justice, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens.
• My flag, the flag of America... home of liberty, land of opportunity, where men and women of all races and creeds live together in peace and friendship.

Cubmaster:As we journey homeward today, let us remember that each of us represent the freedom of America; it’s one-ness is unique in the entire world, just as each of us are unique. We are all one family, together. Smile at those around you. Enjoy the freedom to be friendly without someone questioning your motives. Do your best to help other people enjoy this wonderful land of ours.