11/11/2005: "November is Veterans' History Awareness Month"

Washington is home to more than 670,000 veterans and, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 25 million living veterans in the country.

Members of the SJI American Legion Post and Auxiliary took part in a Flag
Folding Ceremony at the Friday Harbor Elemengtary School on Wednesday,
November 9, 2005. Post members Shannon Plummer, Karl Mueller and Peter
DeLorenzi were joined by Auxiliary members Sue Ross, Barbara Capron and
Michele DeLorenzi in an instructional hour of the historical meanings of
our flag, and what it means to be a veteran. The assembly of 3rd, 4th and
5th graders were very attentive and were able to ask a variety of questions
after the ceremonial folding of the flag was performed by 6 member teams
from each grade.

The program was coordinated by Kim Warin, and included several very
appropriate songs performed by the school choir, which is sounding very
good! The school program is an annual event originated by Tony Surina and
is now known as "Tony Surina Day". Other Post members (Pat O'Mara, Tony
Hall and others) attended a similar program on Lopez Island.

During the 2003 legislative session, a new section was added to chapter 73.04 of the Revised Code of Washington declaring that November of each year will be known as veteran's history awareness month; the week in November in which veterans' day occurs is designated as a time for people of this state to celebrate the contributions to the state by veterans; and educational institutions, public entities and private organizations are encouraged to designate time for appropriate activities in commemoration of the contributions of America's veterans.

Meaning of the U. S. Flag Ceremony

The first fold of our flag is the symbol of life

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life of our human spirit

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of all veterans: those who have left our ranks through death, and those who have not only defended our country, but remain with us to give another portion of their life for the betterment of their communities and country in order to attain peace throughout the world

The fourth fold represents our peaceful nature: for peace is the American hope.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Steven Decatur.... "Our country, in dealing with the 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 hearts that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which is 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 those brave men and women who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, in all of our wars, that we might see the light of day and enjoy peace at home

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

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given of his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since she was first born

The eleventh fold represents the glory found in the eyes of our ancestors

The twelfth fold represents eternity and glorifies us all

The thirteenth and final fold signifies the original 13 colonies upon which our great nation was founded

We fold from the stripes to the stars, for, whereas the stripes represent the thirteen original colonies that founded our republic, they are now embodied in the fifty sovereign states represented by the stars, which cover the stripes

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we trust". 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 the freedoms we enjoy today.