Col. Lancaster's Speech

I attended a retirement ceremony in Europe just last week and had the honor of witnessing a special flag presentation that I would like to share with you. In recognition of an Air Force Officer retiring, they took a flag and flew it over every headquarters that he was assigned to over his 28 year career. I would like to walk you through the ceremony as the flag detail unfolded, then folded the flag prior to presenting it to the service member. I quote:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please watch and listen as this flag is unfolded in his honor. The canton of blue with its blazing white stars representing the states will shine forth, the bold red and white of the stripes representing the commitment of the first colonies will leap to your eye. The combined colors of red, white, and blue representing hardiness and valor — purity and innocence — and finally, perseverance, vigilance, and justice will not only testify to the qualities of our nation, but will also give testimony to the quality of your service. Reflect if you will, as this flag is unfurled and folded again, not only of the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women that have gone before you, but of your sacrifices and achievements. As this flag is so unfolded, so should the memories of your career unfold with your mind.”

Ladies and gentlemen at this time the flag was unfolded and displayed to the Service Member. The narrator announced

“As the Honor Guard folds the flag they will place an insignia inside each fold representing the rank of the service member who was retiring.”

The narrator concluded

“As the flag is secured, please attend to the meaning of the folds for they represent the same principles on which our country was originally founded.
 
“I am the Flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world’s tallest building.
I stand watch in America’s Halls of Justice.  
I fly majestically over great institutions of learning.
I stand guard with the great military power in the world.
Look up and see me!!
 
“I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident; I am arrogant; I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners my head is held a little higher, my colors are a little truer.

“I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am saluted, I am respected.
I am revered, I am loved, I am feared.
 
“For more than 200 years, I have fought in every battle of every war: Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Ardennes, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy.

“Guam, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq, and a score of other places. Long forgotten by all but those who were there with me.

I was there.
 
“I led my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.
I followed them, I watched over them, they love me.
I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle torn, and tired, but my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines cheered me.
I was proud.
 
“I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of countries that I have helped to set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

"I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of my own country. I shall overcome, for I am strong.
 
“I have slipped the surly bounds of earth and from my vantage point on the moon, I stand watch over the new frontiers of space. I have been the silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.
 
“But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle. When I fly at half-mast to honor my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen child. I am proud.
 
“My name is Old Glory. Long may I wave.”
 
Once the Honor Guard finished the last folds of the flag, the narrator continued to read.
 
“When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, In God We Trust. After the flag is folded and tucked, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat.  Ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and of all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines before us who have given life and liberty to preserve our freedom.”