Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

Niles veteran Richard Rogala commended the following post to this blog.

"I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag
draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.The flag is folded 13 times and each fold holds deep meaning.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion  of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens
trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the 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 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been
through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons
and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the
Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are
uppermost reminding them of their nations 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 them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

The apparent source for this internet  item is the Charles F. Hamblen American Legion Post 37 Department of Florida.
The usaflag.org website confirms this information and credits the flag folding ceremony at the U S Air Force Academy.

Cold War POWS: Richard Rogala and Werner Juretzko

These two veterans co-presented a program based on their separate experiences at the Niles Library on Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. A son of Niles, Richard Rogala was captured by the North Koreans in early 1968 while serving on the ill-fated USS Pueblo.

Mr. Juretzko was captured by the East German STASI in 1955 while helping the US Army as a counter-intelligence agent.




The Pioneer Press covered the event and epublished this article about the successful program which also later appeared in the Niles Herald-Spectator of Thursday, May 24. The article was written by Tracy Gruen and the photographs were taken  by Vincent D. Johnson.

Annual May Exhibit Honoring Veterans

Initiated by Niles resident and veteran Al Aronson in 2009, this annual display honors America's veterans and highlights the library's participation in the national Veterans History Project.

This year the library spotlights the contributions of World War II B-17 tail gunner, Chester Rogala, and his son Richard, a POW of the North Koreans upon their capture of the US Pueblo in  1968.

Niles resident and collector, Chris Reuscher, assisted library staff in the planning and execution of the exhibit, loaning the historically accurate clothing and gear which would have been worn by Chester Rogala while serving in the US Army Air Corps, flying out of Foggia, Italy on his 51 combat missions. Niles veteran and resident, Ralph Ponfil, also made items available for the exhibit.

Richard Rogala displays his Navy uniform and the North Korean garb he wore upon his release across the Bridge of No Return on December 23, 1968 along with 81 other crew members.

Both transcripts can be read via the library's website along with those of 48 other veterans.

Cold War POWs Library Program

Patrons can register via  the library's website at nileslibrary.org, using the patron calendar. The transcript of Richard Rogala's interview for the Veterans History Project can be read via the library's web site. Werner Juretzko is a member of the Cold War Museum, a recognized contributor for European Affairs and an active member in the Midwest Chapter.

Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery

Richar Rogala, former prisoner of the North Koreans as a captured member of the US Pueblo crew in January,1968, provided this entry for the blog. He and his father, Chester Rogala, who served in World War II, both contributed oral memoirs to the Veterans History Project.




Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...
author unknown



Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine . The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.