By Marcia Barnes
Staff Writer
Military veterans were honored by more than 3,000 patriotic attendees on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews, N.C. An American flag waved in a clear morning breeze with the event focused on veterans and their sacrifice to the country.
The American Flag Folding Ceremony was a key part of the event when Past Commander of VFW Post 532 Philip Cantley and Commander Dwight McClure demonstrated the folding of the flag to an attentive crowd encircled around the two veterans from Hayesville’s local VFW post.
Between 1777 and 1960, the shape and design of the flag evolved into the American 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 and 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.”