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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (June 14, 2017)
A Final Salute A merican military members are given a fi nal salute with a beauti- ful fl ag ceremony during their funeral. A somber but meaningful tradition, it is our military’s way of thank- ing its members for their dedicated service. Military honors are re- served for military mem- bers who died while on active duty or while in the Selected Reserve. Also, veterans who were hon- orably discharged who completed at least one term of their enlistment or term of obligated service in the Reserves are also eligible to receive these honors. Learn the fl ag’s role and other key components to a military funeral. The Flag’s Role At the service, there will be an American fl ag draped over the cof- fi n of the deceased serviceman or woman. With the family’s approv- al, the fl ag may be pulled away to allow for an open-casket funeral. The fl ag should also be treated with utmost respect during this honor- able funeral. This means fl owers or pictures should never be placed on top of the fl ag. There are cres- cent-shaped arrangements available for resting on a coffi n and avoiding contact with the fl ag. How to Know When it’s Time The U.S. Flag code says a fl ag should be destroyed when it is torn and tattered beyond repair. You also Brad’s Cottage Grove Chevrolet 2775 Row River Road, Cottage Grove 541-942-4415 ★★★★★ Cottage Grove McDonald’s® 1520 Gateway Blvd., Cottage Grove 541-942-0024 ★★★★★ Emerald PUD 33733 Seavey Loop Rd., Eugene 541-746-1583 ★★★★★ Hitch Pro & Tow 4701 West 11th, Eugene 541-434-2403 ★★★★★ IITR Truck Driving School 33817 Martin Rd., Creswell 541-895-5525 The placement of the fl ag is also important. It should be placed so the blue fi eld with stars is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. Flag-Folding Ceremony Following the traditional 21-gun salute and the somber performance of Taps, the funeral concludes with a fl ag-folding ceremony. Folding of the fl ag consists of 12 folds, each one represents a differ- ent aspect of America, God and oth- er factors that our country depends on. Here are the steps to properly fold a fl ag as reported by The Amer- ican Legion: Step 1: Straighten out the fl ag to full length and fold lengthwise once. Step 2: Fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge. Step 3: A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped cor- ner of the folded edge to the open edge. Step 4: The outer point is then turned inward, to form a second triangle. Step 5: The diagonal or triangular folding is continued toward the blue union until the end is reached, with only the blue showing and the form being that of a three-corner hat. Once the fl ag has been folded, it is then given to a member of the deceased’s family. It is used to rep- resent an expression of gratitude for the sacrifi ce they have made. Disposing of a Flag When your American fl ag has served you well but is worn out and no longer a fi tting emblem for dis- play, the U.S. Flag code states that it should be destroyed in a dignifi ed way, preferably by burning. Flags should never be repurposed for clothing or craft projects. You might wish to burn your fl ag in a private ceremony so it is not misconstrued as a derogatory action toward America. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: should look for other signs of wear, such as fading or soiled spots. Once you have determined your fl ag is due to be respectfully burned, be sure you have a new one available as a replacement. How to Dispose of a Flag There is a specifi c process you must follow to properly retire a fl ag. Depending on whether you are performing the ceremony in your backyard or an event in your com- munity, here are the minimum steps that should be included, as stated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. • The fi rst step of respectful fl ag burning is to fold the fl ag in the customary manner. This involves the traditional 12 folds that repre- sent different American customs and values. • You should then build a large fi re that is of proper intensity to ensure complete burning of the fl ag. • Once the fi re is suffi cient, safely place your fl ag in the fl ames. • Now, the attendees of the ceremo- ny should come to attention, salute the fl ag and say the Pledge of Alle- giance. Have a brief period of silent refl ection. • Once the fl ag is entirely con- sumed, the fi re should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried. Some organizations who perform fl ag-burning ceremonies may have additional traditions they prefer to follow. 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