H.R. 3583: To amend title 4, United States Code, to ensure that a funeral honors detail recites the 13 Folds of Honor when presenting a flag of the United States in connection with the death of a member of the Armed Forces or veteran.

This bill proposes to amend U.S. federal law to require that, during funerals for members of the Armed Forces or veterans, a specific recitation known as the "13 Folds of Honor" be performed as part of the presentation of the folded American flag. Here are the main provisions of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is predominantly aimed at honoring the memory of military personnel who have died, specifically dedicating the act to the 13 members of the Armed Forces who were killed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021.

Requirements

According to the proposed legislation, whenever a funeral honors detail presents a folded flag to the family of a deceased service member, they must include the recitation of the following:

• The 1st fold symbolizes life.
• The 2nd fold symbolizes the belief in eternal life.
• The 3rd fold honors those veterans who have given a portion of their lives for their country.
• The 4th fold represents the faith in God that Americans turn to in times of peace and war.
• The 5th fold is a tribute to the country and reflects its principles.
• The 6th fold reflects where people's hearts lie, representing allegiance to the flag.
• The 7th fold honors the Armed Forces, who protect the nation.
• The 8th fold honors those who have faced death for others to live.
• The 9th fold is a tribute to women and mothers and their influence.
• The 10th fold honors fathers for their sacrifices for the country.
• The 11th fold represents the Hebrew faith and the God of the Abrahamic tradition.
• The 12th fold symbolizes eternity, acknowledging the Holy Trinity in Christianity.
• The 13th fold, when the flag is fully folded, reminds families of the nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

Exceptions

The bill allows for an exception to this requirement. The next of kin or an appointed representative of the deceased service member or veteran may choose not to have the 13 Folds of Honor recited during the flag presentation.

Conclusion of Summary

The bill does not impose penalties for non-compliance, nor does it alter existing funeral practices more broadly; rather, it seeks to standardize the recitation as a mark of respect for those who served.

Relevant Companies

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