MY RETIREMENT CEREMONY. What did your retirement ceremony mean to you?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:16:28 -0500

I recently conducted my final active duty awards ceremony, it was my retirement ceremony. It was bittersweet and I got teary eyed just reminiscing about the past. The experience was humbling to have my family present, my church family and Armed Forces Family supported me to the fullest. The flag folding detail was one I will never forgot and the final Salute to the General.
"Duty, Honor, Country"
This script for the flag folding detail was used for my retirement ceremony.
Flag-Folding Script #4

What follows is a popular script for folding the flag; however, it should not be used in official ceremonies as it is in violation of the Establishment Clause. The Establishment Clause (First Amendment) requires that expression not create the reasonable impression that the government is sponsoring, endorsing, or inhibiting religion generally, or favoring or disfavoring a particular religion.

..........

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)
1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth 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 in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth 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."
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 her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. 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.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, 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 twelfth 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."

(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)

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.
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/folds.htm

Flag-Folding Ceremony

Procedures for ceremonialfolding of the U.S. flag

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 23 at 2014 9:20 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:20:21 -0500

That was the script used when I first came in, but is now forbidden.

Congratulations on your retirement!!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 23 at 2014 9:33 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:33:27 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL CONGRATULATIONS! It appears it was a professional and well conducted ceremony.

Congratulations to your family as well.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 23 at 2014 9:48 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:48:24 -0500

I would have been honored to have been there. Sounds like a very well organized ceremony. You put your entire adult life dedicated to the defense of our great Nation and to the education of the generations that will follow in your footsteps. Well done SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 23 at 2014 9:50 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:50:00 -0500

Congratulations on your retirement. I will salute anyone who serves an entire career in our Nation's service, be it Active, Guard, Reserve or a combination. Most have no idea how difficult it really is to last 20+.

You have earned it, enjoy it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 9:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 21:53:29 -0500

congratulations on your retirement and thank you very much for your dedicated service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 10:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:16:06 -0500

Congratulations and all the best on your retirement! SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I leave you with this:

Retirement is not idleness, and it is perfect time, it belongs to you and your family, to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 23 at 2014 10:36 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:36:36 -0500

Congratulations! Nice ceremony!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 10:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:53:21 -0500

Congratulations, SFC Joe Davis. Every services member can't said that they did 20 years of services and retired in the military. Hopefully, I will be like you one day in the future. I thank you and your family for yourself to the military. Enjoy being a civilian again with your family because you all deserve it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 23:28:58 -0500

Awesome Joe!! Very cool and thanks for your service to our great country.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 1:15 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 01:15:35 -0500

Sfc Davis, thank you for your service and dedication. I just had a friend retire from capabilities last summer. Enjoy retirement, or whatever you choose to do in the Hampton Roads area.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 24 at 2014 7:06 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 07:06:31 -0500

Congratulations and happy military retirement.

You hit it right on the head SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL it is a humbling experience. When you're out there and you are being regaled with what you've done by the people you did it with its hard to keep a dry eye.

Response by SGT Steve Vincent made Nov 24 at 2014 7:54 AM

SGT Steve Vincent — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 07:54:49 -0500

Best wishes, and Godspeed with your transition as we welcome you to our hallowed ranks of couch commandos, here at Fort Livingroom! Sounds like you had a much better retirement ceremony than I. I was just handed a flag in a box, from some civilian at the readiness center. Let me tell you how poignant and tear-inducing that was... Lol congratulations, and thank you for a career of service!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 10:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 10:18:30 -0500

Congratulations on your retirement. God Speed and good luck. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 24 at 2014 11:13 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 11:13:29 -0500

Congrats on the retirement brother!! Mine was really bittersweet for me, I was not ready to leave but had run into my RCP....as I was an instructor, Armor BOLC, I still felt I had a lot left to offer to our future leaders. The unit was out conducting the LTs' final FTX so no one from the Troop was able to be there which was kinda sad for me, however my wife of then almost 24-years was by my side as she was for the entirety of the 24 years we had been together at that point, and who was always my biggest supporter, which made up for the unit being absent. After a year into my next chapter of life, all I will say is enjoy life, catch up with family and most importantly, do what makes you happy!!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2014 10:10 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:10:45 -0500

Congratulations on your retirement. Welcome to your new life.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 16 at 2014 10:48 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:48:06 -0500

Congrats brother! Now spend the rest of your life enjoying your family and doing the things that you enjoy doing...whatever that may be!!! God Bless you and yours

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Jan 19 at 2015 1:32 PM

SGM Gregory Tarancon IV — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:32:53 -0500

Congratulations on your retirement! SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, our country owes you a great debt for you years of selfless service and sacrifice! I am glad to see that your command took the time to make this important milestone in your career memorable for you and your family.

Most servicemen and women I know don't want to make big deal about retirement and would prefer to go out quietly. But, to me the retirement ceremony is more for the family and love ones that stood by and supported the service member over the years.

I salute you on your retirement ceremony! Best of luck in the future!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 19 at 2015 10:51 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:51:11 -0500

Congrats on your retirement and service.

You'll find you got time you never had, so now is the time to take the chances and do the things you've wanted to do and try a few things you never thought of.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 24 at 2017 9:18 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 21:18:20 -0500

I am glad that the U.S. Army honored you with a retirement ceremony SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.
It is wonderful that you were able to have your family present, your church family and your Armed Forces Family supporting you in the bittersweet final active duty awards ceremony.
Well done my friend.
To date I have not had an Army retirement ceremony in my honor.
On the other hand I have several had three flag which were flown over the House of Congress presented to me at earlier dates.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Nov 24 at 2017 9:21 PM

CSM William DeWolf — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 21:21:27 -0500

Thank you! A pleasure to read this.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Nov 24 at 2017 10:37 PM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 22:37:44 -0500

I retired with 25 years, my last days in was spent walking the fine line. My 1st SGT had me flagged pending a bogus AR-15 that the Company commander throughout for lack of evidence. I never did know the reason for the AR-15, he never talked to to me about it. I just walked out the door with and E-4 handing me a flag and civilian giving me paperwork to sign. In 25 years of service I only had one AR-15 for being 30 sec. late to formation in 1975. Retired in 2015.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Nov 24 at 2017 11:24 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 23:24:49 -0500

Congratulation on your retirement. Retirement appears to be a bigger deal today than in years back. I had one day off from working and leaving on terminal leave. Only Sqd members were at my "party". and that was the OR staff, CO and Maintenance Chief. No flag but that how things were back in the day. Glad they started doing better because after all that time a member should be acknowledged. No regrets happened years ago and it's something I never put a lot of thought into. Enjoy your retirement and thanks for the info.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 25 at 2017 6:13 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 06:13:26 -0500

Great share brother. I got a little misty eyed the day that they give me my honorable discharge certificate.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Nov 25 at 2017 8:21 AM

1SG Russell S. — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 08:21:17 -0500

Small private ceremony with my family and close friends.
I figured there were no ceremonies when I joined, did not need one to leave.
LOM pinned to civilian coat.

Response by MSG Antonio Giuliano made Nov 28 at 2017 10:51 PM

MSG Antonio Giuliano — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 22:51:22 -0500

HOOAH!

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 28 at 2017 11:00 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 23:00:23 -0500

Congratulations on your retirement!

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Nov 28 at 2017 11:05 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 23:05:26 -0500

My retirement in HQ, XVIII Airborne Corps was simple, short, and memory filled. An Assistant Division Commander was on hand to congratulate me and my current wife. I had my two young sons present too. A photo was taken (black & white), which I have to this day. That was on 1 Mar 1980.

Response by SSG Ronald Colwell made Nov 3 at 2018 2:51 PM

SSG Ronald Colwell — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 14:51:57 -0400

Nice, that some get that

Response by SSG William Jones made Nov 3 at 2018 6:57 PM

SSG William Jones — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 18:57:21 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL , YOU, my friend, are the "Veteran of the Veteran"!!! (I borrowed that title from you, brother, even though I've been meaning to ask you what it means - but I know it's a good meaning.) Anyway, a million CONGRATULATIONS to you, brother!

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Jul 14 at 2019 7:03 AM

PO1 Jerome Newland — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 07:03:41 -0400

The day I decided to retire was July 4th, 1992. The holiday flag of that day was given to me when I retired. It saw the light of day during the Olympics in China. An American citizen, one of the parents of an American athlete, was killed and the wife wounded. I sent it there to the team coach, and requested it be placed on his casket. To honor his decades of sacrifice in raising an Ambassador for America. I have no idea where it wound up. But, I tried.