A true patriot - like so many of his generation and the generations before and after his.
The gentleman was 92 when he died. He grew up in Indiana and spent most of his years in Wisconsin. An engineer and an attorney. Married more than 60 years with daughters and grandchildren.
As a retired member of the Armed Forces, an honor guard was on hand from the U.S. Navy.
Two sailors went to the front of the sanctuary, saluted the flag and then slowly unfolded the flag with precision and great care.
As each young man held two corners, they raised the flag so it would be horizontal over the casket.
The other member of the Naval honor guard then began to play Taps on the bugle.
Other than bugle, the church was completely still. Each of us watching the sailors hold the flag of our country, thinking about the sacrifice of service of this departed friend and the thousands of men and women all through United States history.
Some of us, no doubt, thinking about the continuing swirling winds and rumors of future conflict.
As the last notes faded into the ether, the sailors started to fold the flag to present it to the man's widow.
I was riveted by the precision and care accompanying each fold; each time the sailor would carefully crease the two sides just created. This too, must be laden with meaning.
Here's what I learned about folding the U.S. flag:
The first fold represents a symbol of life.
The second our belief in eternal life.
The third honors and remembers the veteran departing us and their service.
The fourth represents our weaker nature.
The fifth represents our country, right or wrong.
The sixth where our hearts lie.
The seventh is a tribute to the armed forces.
The eighth honors the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death on our behalf (in service) and honor the veteran's mother.
The ninth honors womenhood who developed the character of veterans.
The tenth is a tribute to fathers, for they too, give their sons and daughters in service.
The eleventh, for Hebrew citizens, represents the seal of David and Solomon and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The final fold, the twelfth, for the Christian, represents eternity and honors the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Folded tight, it resembles a cocked hat, like those worn by fighting men in revolutionary times.
The room was at a hush as the sailor saluted the woman, knelt and presented the flag, "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."
It was an honor to be there.
May God continue to bless America.
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