Andrews – Military veterans were honored by more than 3,000 patriotic attendees on Oct. 26 at Western Carolina Regional Airport.
A U.S. flag waved in a clear morning breeze with the event focused on veterans and their sacrifice to the country.
The U.S. flag-folding ceremony was a key part of the event when Philip Cantley, past commander of American Legion George Lee Post 532 in Hayesville, and Commander Dwight McClure demonstrated the folding of the flag to an attentive crowd encircled around the two veterans. Between 1777 and 1960, the shape and design of the flag evolved into the U.S. flag we know today.
* The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The folds begin from the stripes toward the stars.
* There are 13 folds. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
* The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
* The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing the ranks, who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
* When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we trust.”
By Marcia Barnes/Clay County Progress