SkillsUSA Students Learn about Flag Respect

Once again, Hugh Coryea, president of the Veterans and Agent Orange Veterans’ Project, offered our SkillsUSA students an opportunity to learn yet another lesson in patriotism, the Flag Folding Ceremony.

The conversation began on Thursday whlle our SkillsUSA students helped pull American flags from Oak Park Cemetery. As they worked, many students had questions: Why are the flags being removed? What happens to them afterward?

Welding junior and SkillsUSA member Landon Savo had a few of the answers. Landon, a Life Scout with Troop #712, shared his knowledge from Scouting America.

“Making sure the flags never weather is the number one reason they were pulled,” Savo said. Leaving a flag outside too long can cause it to fade or tear, which is considered disrespectful.

Landon also explained what happens during a flag retirement ceremony. When a flag is too old or worn to be flown, Scouts retire it with honor. The ceremony includes cutting the blue field of stars from the red and white stripes. Each part is placed into a fire and burned completely. The ceremony includes readings about the flag’s meaning, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and sometimes burying or scattering the ashes. It is a serious and respectful event that shows patriotism.

Overhearing the conversation and the interest in honoring the Veterans and flag etiquette, Mr. Coryea offered another learning opportunity, witnessing and participating in a flag folding.

Along with Landon, Madison Peoples, Oil and Gas Senior, SkillsUSA member, and member of the Squadron 123 Civil Air Patrol, quickly volunteered to assist. Madison has recently signed to serve our country in the United States Army and will begin her basic training after graduation next year.

The next day, Mr. Coryea delivered two American flags to Navy veteran and school substitute Camille Ledsome. These flags were going to be folded and presented to families at veteran funerals—one for a veteran who passed away from complications due to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

During the flag folding, SkillsUSA students who were able to watch and some who assisted learned about the meaning of the 13 folds: Each fold represents the same principles on which the United States was originally founded :

  1. Life

  2. Belief in eternal life

  3. Honor for veterans who served our country

  4. Trust in God in times of peace and war

  5. Love for our country

  6. Where our hearts lie as we pledge to the flag

  7. Tribute to the armed forces

  8. Honor for those who gave their lives and our mothers

  9. Tribute to womanhood

  10. Tribute to fatherhood

  11. Represents the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

  12. Symbol of eternity and the Christian faith

  13. When folded, the stars on top remind us of “In God We Trust.”

    (adapted from “The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds,” Military.com)

This experience extended our SkillsUSA students’ understanding of the importance of respecting the American flag and the deep meaning behind the traditions that honor it. Through service and learning, they are keeping these values alive for future generations.

Lyn McVickerSkillsUSA, AOV