42nd Highlanders Regimental Pipes & Drums

As a regimental band comprised largely of veterans, the 42nd Highlanders has performed at many ceremonies honoring those who have served this great country. As pipers, we’ve played at numerous memorial services and funerals for the heroes who have paid the ultimate price. It is in this context that we’ve often witnessed the sight of a flag-draped coffin, and it always evokes strong emotions. One cannot help but to be deeply moved as the honor guard meticulously folds the flag, then presents it to the next of kin with words that differ slightly depending on the branch of service, but invariably reflect the same heartfelt sentiment: “with appreciation, on behalf of a grateful nation.” It is not surprising then that this simple but stirring ceremonial folding of the flag has acquired symbolic meaning.

Our nation reveres the flag. Not in the form of unquestioning worship, but from a deep sense of our national heritage. Its unfurled banner represents all people of America, and signifies the commitment made by our fallen comrades who battled bravely to defend a country that values freedom and democracy above all else. The Federal Flag Code (Public Law 94-344) includes no text regarding the flag-folding ceremony nor does it ascribe any special meaning to the movements. However, the flag-folding procedure has become highly regimented and an interpretation for each fold has gained a status which, official or not, means that it can now be found in many governmental and military manuals.

All members of the armed forces who die during active duty or have been honorably discharged or separated from duty are eligible for a flag for funerary purposes. According to military historians, the custom of covering a fallen serviceman's casket dates to the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. In the U.S., the flag is placed with the union of white stars on the blue field at the head and over the left shoulder.

Traditional flag etiquette prescribes that before an American flag is stored or presented, its handlers should twice fold it in half lengthwise; then (from the end opposite the blue field) make a triangular fold, continuing to fold it in triangles until the other end is reached. The red and white stripes are thus wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night. A properly proportioned flag will fold thirteen times: two lengthwise folds and eleven triangular ones. When folded, no red or white stripe is evident and the end result is a triangular “pillow” of the flag with only the blue starred field showing on the outside.

What follows is an unofficial, but popular script for folding the flag. Nobody is certain when or where it originated or who wrote it. It doesn’t appear in the Flag Code, yet it embodies the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain 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 time 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 into 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, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the 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 Spirit.

After the thirteenth fold, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust." When 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.