"The whole inspiration of our life as a nation flows out from the waving folds of this banner." -- Author unknown

The flag of the United States of America has been associated with the pride and liberty of the American people for more than 200 years. Sometimes referred to as the "Stars and Stripes," "Star-Spangled Banner" or "Old Glory," the flag represents the freedom of the American people.

The importance of the United States flag in society is evident. It waves at public places across the nation and is frequently a focal point during ceremonies and celebrations. The U.S. flag is prominently displayed at military posts, public buildings, sports facilities and residences. Public school classrooms begin the day by saluting the flag while reciting The Pledge of Allegiance, and students participate in the raising and lowering of the flag on campus.

Miniature flags are used to identify the graves of U.S. veterans on certain holidays. Full-sized flags are sometimes draped as a pall on the caskets of veterans who have honorably served their country. An American flag is presented to new American citizens, and the U.S. flag is flown half-staff to signify a time of mourning.

As Americans prepare to celebrate the birth of U.S. independence on July 4th, it is an appropriate time remember the flag, recognize members of the U.S. armed forces and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in keeping America free.

In The T&D Region, the U.S. flag is highly honored. For this special feature, Orangeburg's Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks Lodge and American Legion provided information about the flag. Boy Scout Troop 45 demonstrated flag-folding techniques, and a Native-American chief shared a Flag Retirement Ceremony.

VFW Post 2779

Bobby Mast serves as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2779 in Orangeburg. For seven years, Mast has led the VFW in projects that range from placing miniature flags on the graves of U.S. soldiers to helping provide phone cards for military personnel serving on foreign soil, allowing them to call their families.

Mast says being of service to the community through VFW Post 2779 is rewarding.

"We have a wonderful organization with approximately 230 members, and we also have a very active Ladies Auxiliary," he said. "One of our most appreciated projects involves placing miniature flags on the graves of soldiers at our local cemeteries. For Memorial Day and Veteran's Day observances, we place 600 U.S. flags in Memorial Park, 300 flags at Crestlawn and 200 flags in Sunnyside. Flags are distributed to other cemeteries throughout the county by our members.

"These observances honor our servicemen, and this gesture means a great deal to their families and loved ones."

Mast, a North Carolina native, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953. He served in Germany 18 months and upon discharge, lived for a while in Ohio. Employment with Utica Tool Co. brought Mast and his wife, Judy, to Orangeburg, which they now call home. Mast joined the National Guard in 1973 and retired in 1994.

The Masts' involvement with the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary provides many opportunities for them to express their patriotism, they said.

"We make every effort to place the flags on graves that are appropriately marked." Judy said. "If we miss one that isn't marked, we will go back and put a flag where it is needed, if we are notified. We understand how important the flags are to families."

Elks Lodge No. 897

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United Sates of America is an organization motivated by reverence for the family, the United States and its flag. Orangeburg's Elks Lodge No. 897 incorporates the U.S. flag in many ceremonies and rituals, including Flag Day, which is celebrated nationally by the Elks on June 14.

Henry Rutland, newly elected Exalted Ruler of Orangeburg's Elks Lodge, says Flag Day is a "primary observance" for the organization and is celebrated with dignity.

"The Elks support our veterans in many ways, and we also reach out to the youth in the community," Rutland said. "We sponsor a baseball team, hoop shoots, soccer and essay contests for youth. We also work with the Boy Scouts in promoting Flag Day."

The evolution of the American Flag, Rutland said, marks the progression of the government of the American people.

"The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the first and only fraternal body to require formal observance of Flag Day," he said. "This unique distinction as the strongest promoter of Flag Day is most becoming to the Order of Elks, and this Order is distinctively American."

Different flags and their histories are used in the Elks Flag Day ceremony, which begins with the presentation of the flag of England. The following historical information is presented during the Elks Flag Day event.

* From the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620 until 1775, the flag of England was the flag of the people of America.

* In 1775, the pine tree flag was adopted for all colonial vessels, and this banner was carried by the Continental forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

* From 1776 to 1777, the Southern colonies used the snake flag.

* In the latter part of 1775, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to consider the question of a single flag for the 13 colonies. The committee recommended a design of 13 stripes of red and white, with an azure field in the upper corner, bearing the cross of St. George and the white cross of St. Andrew. John Paul Jones, the senior lieutenant of the flagship "Alfred," hoisted this flag to the masthead on Dec. 3, 1775, and one month later, it was raised over the headquarters of Gen. Washington at Cambridge, Mass., "in compliment," as he wrote, "to the United colonies."

* The flag, called "The Continental Colors" and "The Grand Union," was never carried in the field by the continental land forces, but it was used by the Navy as its exclusive ensign and was the first American flag to receive a salute of honor, a salute of 11 guns from the Fort of Orange in the Dutch West Indies. In response to a general demand for a banner more representative of the country, on June 14, 1777, Congress provided "that the Flag of the United States be 13 stripes of alternating red and white; and that the union be 13 stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation."

* It is believed that in May or June 1776, a committee consisting of George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia Quakeress, to make a flag from a rough design they left with her. It is said that she suggested the stars have five points rather than six. This banner was first flown at Fort Stanwix, called Fort Schuyler at that time, near the city of Rome, N.Y., on Aug. 3, 1777, and was under fire three days later at the Battle of Oriskany, Aug. 6, 1777, during a British and Indian attack.

* The first official salute to the Stars and Stripes was given on Feb. 14, 1778, by France on the French coast, when the "Ranger," under command of John Paul Jones, was saluted by the French fleet. The flag, then carried by the "Ranger," was made by the young women of Portsmouth, N.H., from stripes of their best-colored silk dresses and the white wedding gown of a recent bride. It is said this same "Ranger's flag" was flown by Jones' ship, the "Bonhomme Richard."

* The original 13 stars and stripes represented the original 13 colonies. In 1795, two additional stars and stripes were added to represent admission to the Union of Vermont and Kentucky. The War of 1812 was fought under this banner of 15 stars and stripes. It was the sight of it flying over Fort McHenry on Sept. 14, 1814, that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

* Congress adopted a resolution on April 14, 1818, that on and after July 4, 1818, the number of stripes should be 13, the blue field should carry one star for each of the 20 states in the Union and a new star should be added for each state thereafter admitted.

* Twenty-eight new stars were added to the flag before July 4, 1912, and the flag of 48 stars flew over the U.S. for 47 years, until just before the Vietnam War. On July 4, 1959, a star was added for Alaska, the United States' first non-connected state, and a year later, Hawaii, the island state, added a 50th star.

Rutland said the Elks believe that, "Only love, true love of our fellow man, can create peace. The emblem and token of that love is the 'Stars and Stripes,' the symbol of the American way of life."

American Legion Post 4

When the flag of the United States becomes tattered, faded or dirty and is no longer a fitting emblem of display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.

In many American communities, a designated organization oversees the disposal of worn, faded and frayed American flags. Orangeburg's American Legion Post 4 collects worn flags and holds special retirement ceremonies, with the assistance of local Boy Scout Troop 45. Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Powell said flags of all sizes are accepted for retirement.

"Our flag retirement ceremonies ensure that our nation's flags are properly disposed of," he said. "The Scouts also learn the correct way to retire flags that are a symbol of the pride and freedom of American citizens."

Powell says the number of flags collected annually for retirement ranges from 45 to 70 or more.

"Because of the large number of flags we receive, we hold a symbolic ceremony and then burn a number of flags in an open fire at one time," Powell said.

A collection box is located at the American Legion Hut, situated at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Carolina Avenue.

"We accept very small to very large flags for our retirement ceremonies," Powell said.

Pee Dee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek

The Pee Dee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek in Neeses conducts flag retirement ceremonies and memorials for veterans. The Native American group accepts flags that are tattered and worn and gives them due honor.

"'Old Glory' holds a special place in my heart," said Chief Skyye Vereen, a veteran.

Having more than 30 years experience working with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Explorers and the American Scouting Association, Vereen has spent much time teaching young people the meaning of the flag and explaining why it should be respected.

"Once the young people learned what the flag meant and how the veterans are responsible for the freedoms they know and love, they were shocked to learn that to retire a flag properly, you have to burn it," Vereen said. "The Native American youth know that fire is life and is respected, so this was not a novel idea for them. But for non-Indian friends and families, this was a learning experience."

Neeses Town Hall is a designated drop-off site for worn and tattered flags for Vereen's group, and over the years, flags have been received for retirement from school districts, municipal buildings and military vessels.

"The fires are prepared by our Fire Keeper." Vereen said. "In our ceremony, members from each respected organization takes part in preparing each flag for retirement, handling them with the utmost respect. No one touches the flags without wearing white gloves. There is complete silence when each stripe is cut away, and the field of blue with white stars is then cut away.

"Once these steps are completed, the ceremony begins."

Vereen said participants are taught that the U.S. flag should not be dragged and must never touch the ground.

Vereen submitted the following Flag Retirement Ceremony:

The flag of the United States of America is a symbol of our nation.

* First stripe: The seven red stripes and six white stripes remind us of the original 13 original colonies -- Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey.

* Second stripe: The white stands for purity and liberty.

* Third stripe: The red stands for courage and human sacrifice.

* Fourth stripe: "Give me liberty or give me death."

* Fifth stripe: "One if by land, two if by sea."

* Sixth stripe: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

* Seventh stripe: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

* Eighth stripe: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

* Ninth stripe: Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.

* 10th stripe: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

* 11th stripe: The right of the citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

* 12th stripe: "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country."

* 13th stripe: "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

A star on a field of blue, which signifies a new constellation being formed, represents each state. As we place it into the fire, let it burn brightly and remind us how our flag represents our country.

Folding the American flag

The Boy Scouts of America learn the correct way to fold the flag and the meaning associated with each fold. They know that as a military custom, at the ceremony of retreat, the flag of the United States is lowered daily.

No part of the flag is allowed to touch the ground. The flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, symbolizing the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the War for Independence.

During folding, the red and white stripes of the flag are wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.

A flag-folding ceremony is appropriate for observances such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day or Flag Day and serves as a way to honor the U.S. flag.

At military funerals, the American flag is draped as a pall on the caskets of veterans who have honorably served the United States. Before interment, the flag is removed and ceremoniously folded and presented to loved ones.

The flag-folding ceremony represents the religious principles on which America was founded and is not to be taken lightly. The following meanings are attributed to each fold of the flag, in accordance with Army and Navy custom, as outlined on www.usflag.org:

* The first fold is a symbol of life.

* The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

* The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

* The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well in times of war for His guidance.

* The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

* The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

* The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without our boundaries.

* The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

* The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers. For it is through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

* The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they have been first born.

* The 11th fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

* The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

* The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding Americans of their national motto, "In God We Trust."

When the flag is completely folded and tucked, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, reminding witnesses of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for Americans the rights, privileges and freedoms enjoyed today.

T&D Features Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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