A group of congressmen has asked the Department of Veterans Affairs to reconsider its ban on the flag-folding ceremony at military funerals after the agency decided last month to streamline burials at federal cemeteries.
PC gone wild. By trying to not offend a few (1 complaint) they have offended many. To most veterans and active duty military personnel the military funeral is a sacred event steeped in history and ceremony. To have a bureaucrat ban an important part of this so as not to upset a few is basic dereliction of duty to those who have served and those who have fallen in service. The American Legion volunteers who perform the flag folding ceremonies for funerals should carry on with their duties despite this ridiculous ban.
This has never been an official part of the funeral ceremony. It should not have been included in any, as it does not allow for the uniformity of performance for which the military is both known and prides itself in. As such, we should honor the decision and go forward in uniformity.
Posted on 11/02/07 08:22:02
army brat wrote:
how stupid, i hope this is a joke, i cant believe some ass in conress really wants to ban the flag ceremony. I hope that when my dad dies he is able to have this performed at his funeral. hopefully a long time from now.
Posted on 11/02/07 12:29:42
PROUD military spouse! wrote:
I think its bullshit as well! If you are offended by it then so be it, but don't ban something thats been going of for years. What about the many more that are offended by it being banned? Sick and tired of one dumb ass complaining and having things taken away from others. You don't like it..then you choose for YOURSELF not to have that, but for others who want it...let it be their decision and quit trying to have everything banned.
Posted on 11/02/07 23:39:04
USMC Veteran wrote:
The military is steeped in history of fighting and dying for our freedom. The flag folding ceremony is part of the honor granted to those that sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
DO NOT take away the honor and privilege of freedom.
The folded flag given to the family adds dignity and pride to the history of the fallen soldier.
As a Veteran I want the history, honor, tradition to never fade as I will some day.
Posted on 11/06/07 03:29:08
Army Veteran wrote:
First of all, if the ban is over the mention of God, then someone is a damn idiot straight up. If the flag fold was for a certain reason, then no man's opinion can change that reason. Seems to me that freedom of speech is starting to limit the other freedoms we have and fight for. I think it's sad that it only takes a couple people's complaint to destroy what we have worked forever to have, but it takes thousands of people to fight to get it back
Posted on 12/01/07 11:33:20
SSG Timothy L. Chafin wrote:
I will simply not honor this ban. Sometimes we as Veterans and active duty military need to tell congess when they've gone too far. I served in the Marines from 87-91. And the U.S. Army 1997-present. Active duty for nearly 15 yrs now. I have served on many funeral details honoring the service of countless veterans and active duty service men and women. I will continue to honor them as they deserve to be honored. And some stubborn S.O.B better do the same for me!!!
Posted on 12/25/07 13:13:25
23 Years Service and Still Serving wrote:
They are not banning the ceremony itself, just the narrative portion. It will be left up to the families whether they want it read. I have been to many military funerals recently and never heard the narrative done. Only heard it at retirements. The 13-fold meaning was never written or authorized by the gov't and is not in any regulation. If the family wants it, they should be able to hear it.
Posted on 02/12/08 11:07:57
Future Soldiers mom wrote:
Wow I cant believe it would even cross someones mind to ban such an honor. These "congressmen" should look into the value of such an honor. God is on our side and He will not let this happen.. God Bless our soldiers!
Posted on 03/17/08 10:10:39
BigM wrote:
The 11th and 12th folds explicitly refer to"Hebrew citizen" and "Christian citizen". So what about the other 20% of Americans who are neither "Hebrew" nor "Christian"? There is no issue with the ceremony, just the narrative.
Posted on 05/23/08 13:21:56
MT wrote:
There are 3 flag folding ceremony narratives that may be used. The 13 fold narrative that this is relating to, a lesser known narrative that does mention the name of God, and a newly revised narrative that has no mention of God. The family has a right to choose, whether it is one of those 3, their own written, or none at all. But that's the problem... the right to have the 13 fold narrative read was taken away. That takes away the right to choose...which our country was founded on that freedom.
Posted on 05/23/08 19:04:17
BigM wrote:
If there is no 'official' narrative and the family can choose, then I agree, there is no issue at all. The family should definitely be able to do what they want at their loved one's ceremony.
On the other hand, if the flag folding itself is an official part of a military ceremony, then the government does have a right to issue an edict on how it should be performed.
Posted on 05/24/08 20:45:17
kmlwest wrote:
I truly believe that if our founding fathers were to come back today and here of such bans as this they would be ashamed of where we are as a country. The freedom which I am able to appreciate due to the commitment of our brave soldiers has become a political correctness game with our government. For every freedom I have the right to accept or agree with, others have the same "freedom" to disagree. Without these freedoms, they would not have a choice.
Posted on 07/25/08 18:23:51
Nancy wrote:
May dad past away 3 weeks ago. He was a World War II veteran. He was so proud that he fought for our country. He would tell his grandson's stories about when he was in the service. The ceremony was just beautiful. Everyone who was at the service had tears coming down there face.If we allow this to be taken away Shame on Us As Americans
Posted on 09/18/08 14:47:40
Kurt wrote:
My father served in the Koren conflict, then did 30 year's civil service fo Uncle Sam. He was a very proud man and the way I was raised had alot of influence from the military. He passed away June 28, 2008 he is missed by many. Those of you who think the ban is best can bite me. The flag stands for freedom the men and women who serve and fight for us is for freedom. Our founding fathers believed in God, those of you who think this is wrong you are free to move to a different country where they don't. To many people are screwing up this country because they think things are not politically correct well I say shove up your A**. Move we don't want or need you here.
Posted on 12/09/08 13:49:46
Kiley wrote:
No way can they ban it! It would be the worst thing ever, it's like dishonoring the men who fought bravely and have passed on! I hope they don't ever ban the flag ceremony!
