Thank You to ALL who gave for our freedom

Residents of Sunscape RV Resort gathered this morning in the Community Room at 9:00 AM to honor our Veterans.  The Coolidge High School ROTC came and participated in our ceremony and celebration of our heroes.  It was very moving, to me, and I cried through most of the ceremony, as did several others, I noticed.

Flags lined the parking lot of the Community Building where the ceremony was held.

Veteran Dale Schoeneberger, park manager, was the emcee and did a great job.Veteran George Smith gave the opening prayer, which is where my first tear fell.  It was beautiful.Then there was the flag presentation of the Color Guard.And the singing of the National Anthem. (so glad I stuck tissues in my pocket.)The next part of the ceremony, I had never heard the meaning of and I loved it:

The Flag Folding Ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies.

Here is a typical sequence of the reading as we heard it this morning (copy and pasted from http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html):

 

(Begin reading as Honor Guard or Flag Detail is coming forward).

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.)

 

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

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

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. 

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.

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 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.

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 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 Ghost.

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 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. I had never heard or read this before and was thrilled to hear references to the Christian beliefs our nation was founded on and the several mentions of God.  We ARE a Christian nation and it's past time for the Christians of this nation to remember that.

Next was the recognition of the POW-MIA:

Our attention was turned to a small table in a place of honor on the stage. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.

This Table set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember! (ring bell)

The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember! (ring bell)

The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms
who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember! (ring bell)

The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember! (ring bell)

The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember! (ring bell)

A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember! (ring bell)

There is Salt upon the bread plate -- Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember! (ring bell)

The Glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember! (ring bell)

The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember! (ring bell)

Remember! -- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember! (ring bell)

Remember! -- Until the day they come home, Remember! (ring bell)

Next, the ROTC honored Veterans in the hall from each branch of the military, with a song.  From my seat, I got only a couple of pictures.The guest speaker was Staff Sergeant Sylvia Herrera with the Arizona National Guard, who has served in Iraq.  Her speech was real and heartfelt as she expressed her appreciation and the appreciation of her comrades to those who appreciate their service to this nation and it's citizens.  She also read a poem that she wrote while in Iraq, awaiting her order to come home.We are so glad she came and shared her message with us this morning.

Veterans, Thank You.