None so brave None so pure

	The flag is placed so the union blue is at the head and over the left shoulder of the body. Do not lower the flag into the grave. After Taps is played, the flag is folded into the symbolic tri-cornered shape.
	1. Two persons, facing each other, hold the flag waist high and horizontally between them. 2. The lower striped section is folded, lengthwise, over the blue field. Hold bottom to top and edges together securely. 3. Fold the flag again, lengthwise, folded edge to open edge. 4. A triangular fold is started along the length of the flag, from the end to the heading by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge. 5. The outer point is turned inward parallel with the open edge, forming a second triangle. 6. Repeat the triangular folding until the entire length of the flag is folded. 7. When the flag is completely folded, only the triangular blue field should be visible.
	After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States,preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
	The flag is generally presented to the appropriate family member after Taps is played. Stand facing the flag recipient and hold the folded flag waist high, with the straight edge facing the recipient. Lean toward the flag recipient and solemnly present the flag to the recipient. Each service uses slightly different wording for the presentation: Army: This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service. Navy: On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy. Marine Corp: On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps. Air Force: On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of (service member's rank and name). Coast Guard: On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and the Coast Guard. If the next of kin has expressed a religious preference or belief, add "God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America."
	The Origin of Taps Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than "Taps". Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day's end was a tune borrowed from the French called "Lights Out". In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days Battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Douglas Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought "Lights Out" was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story, ". . . showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of envelop, he asked me sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day, I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music, which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac." This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874, it was officially recognized by the US Army. It became mandatory at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. It strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and piece. It echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate the air.
LINKS:	Flag Folding Ceremony POW Ceremony Information on Military Funeral Honors Eligibility for Burial Flag Presidential Memorial Certificate Information on Stones and Grave Markers Flag Etiquette


	None so proud and brave None so noble and pure, Than the one we honor With a final salute here. But then in our hearts You will always remain, Your love everlasting With no final refrain. A life such as yours, For a heart of devotion Lives on forever Without expressing emotion You marched through the door Of a mess room divine, To be blessed with reward Of life only kind. To suffer no more In a future secure, Dearest one, we salute, For you will, ever endure.