The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag  denoting 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.)

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.
13. The 13th fold or when the flag os completly folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations Motto, ‘In God We Trust’.

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 Patriot's 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 concludes the 13 fold presentation.