RMA cadets participate in NASCAR 'Folds of Honor' ceremony

GAINESVILLE - The Riverside Military Academy Drill Team (Fusiliers) and Color Guard cadets were selected for the honor of folding and presenting the U.S. flag during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway last Sunday.

Major Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, served as the grand marshal of Sunday's race.

The RMA cadets folded the flag 13 times in honor of U.S. military veterans.

RMA Cadets performed the flag folding ceremony on stage several times that day as well as on Feb. 27 and 28.

The Folds of Honor organization provides annual educational scholarships to the military families of those who have been killed or disabled while in active duty. The scholarships help support private education tuition, tutoring, and educational summer camps for children K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and children. Since its founding in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 7,500 scholarships. Learn more about Folds of Honor at https://www.foldsofhonor.org/.

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Symbolism of the U.S. Flag Folding Ceremony

An American flag folded 13 times represents the fallen, and is symbolic of the last
reward for military service. Each fold has a specific meaning:

 The first fold of our flag 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 veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

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

 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 the boundaries of our republic.

 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, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

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

 The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

 The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, 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, the Son and Holy Ghost.

 When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust."