Cold War Veterans Blog

VA Bans Flag Folding Ceremony Because Of Reference To God

The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a ban that removes any mention of God from Honor Guard Flag Folding Ceremonies at veterans' funerals. For decades, both volunteers and active duty military personnel have served as Honor Guard at veterans' funerals. This time-honored tradition included a ceremony known as the "Flag Ceremony." On September 27th, the Veterans Administration issued a ban on this time-honored tradition. Their memorandum read:

"It has come to my attention that cemeteries may be distributing a handout entitled 'The Meaning of Each Fold of an Honor Guard Funeral Flag' and/or posting the handout in cemetery buildings. I have also learned that our volunteer Honor Guards may be using the handout as a script and reciting the meaning of the thirteen folds of the flag while the interment flag is folded during the committal service."

A complaint was filed by one objecting person. That person objected because, as the memo states, "some of those scripts are religious in nature and also ascribe meaning to the individual folds put in the flag." The memo goes on to note that, "We have recently received a complaint sent to the President of the United States that there was a gross error in the handout with reference to the eleventh fold involving reference to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." The memo further demands:

"Effective immediately all national cemeteries are to refrain from distributing any handouts on 'The Meaning of Each Fold of an Honor Guard Funeral Flag,' remove any postings from all cemetery buildings and discontinue our VA-Sponsored Volunteer Honor Guards from using the handout as a script at a committal service during the folding of the flag."

In the Flag Folding Ceremony, the thirteen folds represent the following:

1. Symbol of life.
2. Symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. In honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of his life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. 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. 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. 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. A tribute to our armed forces.
8. 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.
9. A tribute to womanhood.
10. A tribute to father.
11. 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. 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. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."

Veteran groups have been outraged as well. The American Legion has called on the VA to rescind its outrageous ban and allow the families of the deceased veterans to determine what will be included. As mentioned above, it was #11 that caused the problem according to the VA's memorandum. The national outcry on this blatant act of censorship has been significant. While I was on Hannity & Colmes last night, the VA issued a clarification. Unfortunately, the clarification does not rescind the previous order banning the practice. In fact, the VA does not even address the distribution of the Flag Folding Ceremony handout, and it only allows for volunteers to participate in the ceremony who are not active duty military personnel.

This blatant act of religious censorship is unconstitutional, and the American Center for Law and Justice is demanding that the VA rescind this policy in full. - Jay Sekulow, American Center For Law And Justice

Posted: 10/31/2007 10:25:00 AM

*Go to aclj.org and sign the petition to have this ridiculous and unconstitutional ban rescinded.*