Folding the Flag
Published Jan 01, 1900
The daily routine aboard the USS Trentonoff the Somali coast, transporting Marines and their cargo to and from shore, was disrupted by a visit from an admiral. Sam Rickabaugh was in charge of the 30-by-50-foot American flag.
After the admiral gave his speech and left, the flag was to be lowered. Sam had folded our national flag many times, but never one of this immense size. Fortunately, a group of Marines nearby was quick to help. One of them, Ramirez, immediately took charge, showing great pride with every meticulous fold.
"Where did you master the art of folding a flag this size?" Sam asked.
"Are you on a special flag detail?"
"Actually," said Ramirez, "I learned this while working at McDonald's."
Originally published July 01, 2010.
