ARIZONA CITY FIRE DISTRICT
RETIRED UNITED STATES FLAG PROGRAM
The Arizona City Fire District has placed a depository for retired U.S. flags near the front entrance of the Administration side of the Fire house. The public has access to the Depository 24 hours a day, year-round. Flags are collected and stored once a week. Once many Flags are reached, they are respectfully retired in accordance with U.S. Code § 176 Respect for the Flag (k).
Once your flag has become no longer fit to display, please fold it appropriately or as best possible, and bring it to the Firehouse. Place your Flag or Flags in the Depository and will take care of it from there.
HOW TO PROPERLY FOLD THE
UNITED STATES FLAG
MEANING OF THE 13 FOLDS OF THE
UNITED STATES FLAG
1st
fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2nd
fold is a symbol of our belief in Eternal life.
3rd
fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4th
fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting In God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as war for His divine guidance.
5th
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.
6th
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.
7th
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 her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8th
fold is a tribute to the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
9th
fold is a tribute to Womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty, and devotion that the characters of men and woman who have made this country great has been molded.
10th
fold is in tribute to the Father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11th
fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrew’s eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12th
fold represents the emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Final Fold
When the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto,
“IN GOD WE TRUST”