Remembering Charlie Miller: Military Honors and the Meaning of the 13 Folds

On April 14th, we said goodbye to an incredible man and dear friend, Charlie Miller. Charlie served as our chaplain for many years, and he truly had a heart of gold. He was well loved—fun-spirited, steady, and kind—and he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, family member, and friend.

That day, we honored Charlie with military funeral honors at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. The cemetery provided the Marines for the flag folding and Taps. Although a 21-gun salute had been requested and was not provided by the cemetery, we are deeply grateful to American Legion Post 108 in Sutter Creek for stepping in and providing the salute, joined by members of the Marine Corps League Mother Lode Detachment 1080. Fellow Marine Jack Magee led us in “Amazing Grace,” and Charlie’s best friend, Bob Gray, shared heartfelt words about Charlie’s life.

I watched from the back as the Marines folded the flag, the gun salute sounded, and Taps played. Tears fell as Charlie’s beautiful, loving wife, Vickie, was presented the flag on behalf of a grateful nation—an emblem of Charlie’s service to the Marine Corps and to the country he loved.

After the service, I learned something that surprised me. In our area of Central California, some national cemeteries conducting military funerals have stopped reading the meaning behind the Thirteen Folds of the Flag. I find that deeply sad, because many people don’t know why the flag is folded—only that they’ve always seen it handed to a loved one. I’ve heard the reason may be to keep ceremonies moving faster, but if done thoughtfully, it adds only a couple of minutes and is deeply enlightening.

Did you know that, in parts of Central California, some national cemeteries allow only about 20 minutes for military honors? It can feel rushed for families at a time when every moment matters. Our beloved service members deserve to be honored with the time and dignity their sacrifice represents.

After we laid Charlie to rest, I heard that some who attended his service didn’t know the meaning behind one of our most honored traditions: the Thirteen Folds of the Flag. Here is what each fold means:

This is what the 13 folds mean:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute 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.
4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgement 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.”
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Rest easy, Charlie Miller. God bless you and keep you.

If you want to pay honors and contribute to Charlies Marine Corps League follow the link below.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-charlie-miller-fund