At military funerals, it has been a tradition if requested by the family for the honor guard to fold the flag that covered the veteran’s coffin 13 times and to recite a script developed by veterans’ groups that suggests an inspirational meaning for each fold.

The Proponents of the ban identify what they consider offensive language in the eleventh and twelfth folds and readings.

Presently, our legal system is considering motions filed by the families of dead soldiers and those filed by protestors at funerals and proponents of the ban.

The issue is freedom, specifically the right of every soldier to practice religion. A soldier has the right to “Script Recitals” and it is the duty of all Americans to assert the rights of all citizens especially when citizens themselves cannot. Isn’t there a way to resolve this issue? Allow soldiers indicate in a will and testament as to their last wishes and whether or not they want the service that is traditional or non-secular.

It is the religious right of those that just died to protect and defend our country that we must not offend nor violate. Any movement to eliminate traditional practices must be tempered by the rights of individual soldiers to practice freely any religion regardless of whether or not it offends even a majority of the people.

“13-Fold” Ceremony, Other Scripts Approved

WASHINGTON — To ensure burial services at the 125 national cemeteries operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reflect the wishes of veterans and their families, VA officials have clarified the Department’s policy about recitations made while the U.S. flag is folded at the gravesite of a veteran.

“Honoring the burial wishes of veterans is one of the highest commitments for the men and women of VA,” said William F. Tuerk, VA’s Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. “A family may request the recitation of words to accompany the meaningful presentation of the American flag as we honor the dedication and sacrifice of their loved ones.”

Traditional gravesite military funeral honors include the silent folding and presentation of an American flag, a 21-gun rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps.”

The clarification includes the following:

Volunteer honor guards are authorized to read the so-called “13-fold” flag recitation or any comparable script;

Survivors of the deceased need to provide material and request it be read by the volunteer honor guards; and

Volunteer honor guards will accept requests for recitations that reflect any or no religious traditions, on an equal basis.
Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or marker.”

Retrieved Nov.1st 2007

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1406

It’s unfortunate your staff reports articles in such a one-sided view.I visited this site researching scholarships but after reading the article’s spin on the truth, I’m not interested a scholarship from your company.

No one is going to follow them home and prevent the family and friends from praying or in their mind.This is not a war against religion it’s being fair to all faiths or those who don’t follow organized religion. As American’s we have the freedom of religion. Atheism or agnosticism should fall under a belief system and be protected just as well withut being labeled hate mongers, or a secular fanatic.

I’m sure it has been more than one voice who supports these ideals I’m one. I’m not anti-religion I just like separation because it’s not a part of my life nor do I seek it.