Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: RITUAL (01/20/22)
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TITLE: For Glory and Honor | Previous Challenge Entry
By Stephen Kimball
01/27/22 -
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My roots go all the way back to the revolution. Hand sewn by Betsy Ross, with great care — General Washington was so pleased. My first battle was at Brandywine, Pa., September 1777, the first in a long line of hard-fought battles I witnessed on the way to defeating the British.
I am the Stars and Stripes, the symbol of a great nation — the greatest on the planet. Founded upon freedom and equality, principles derived from the Word of God. The Founding Fathers not only believed in the God of the Bible, recognizing Him as the Almighty Creator — an authority they would answer to — but invoked his presence and hand in the formation and governing of this fledgling nation. He would indeed lead us to independence and onward as the source of the light that is at the heart of this country.
It is a great honor to stand for and indeed to proclaim man’s unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. I proudly fly at embassies the world over, a beacon of hope and possibility for all, and I trust you also share this pride.
Yes, I love my job — always have. And with nearly 250 years behind us, there have been countless moments of grandeur and pride. One of my greatest honors, though, is my most humble of duties, to esteem the brave soldiers and veterans of the military at their final places of rest. These men and women who have freely offered their service, and in many cases, their lives to preserve this country deserve the highest honors. That’s where I come in.
Here, at the memorial, I am present throughout the entire ceremony, but again, here it is not about me. With utmost respect for the departed patriot that lie beneath me, I drape the casket as it makes its way to the gravesite. Occasionally, via caisson, which is my favorite — takes me back to the old days.
Military members, in full dress uniform, present arms and the casket team marches us to the gravesite, in precise formation. Once the casket is in place, I am secured by the team and stretched out, level and centered over the casket. Family members rise for the honors.
A salute initiates a rifle volley or sometimes cannon fire for the highest of ranks. After which, the solemn sound of Taps is played by a lone bugler. I am then carefully folded into a symbolic tri-cornered shape. Thirteen tight and exact folds representing the original 13 colonies. The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the revolution. When completely folded, only the blue field with stars is evident, reminding all of our national motto, “In God We Trust”.
Then I am presented to the next of kin. In doing so, I am always held waist high with my straight edge facing the recipient. The presenter leans in and says:
“On behalf of the President of the United States, and the United States Army (or whichever branch of the military the deceased had served) and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
This final honor is always the most moving of moments for me, as it seems to be to those who receive me into their care, and I am most pleased to be a part of it.
God bless the United States of America and may the flag of freedom forever fly.
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