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Below is the press release from Rep. Heath Shuler's office calling for the Acting Secretary of the Dept. of VA, Gordon Mansfield, to Rescind New Policy of Banning Flag-Folding Recitations. Following the press release is the letter the Representatives sent to the Acting Secretary -- use that as a sample letter.
PRESS RELEASE:
Office of Representative Heath Shuler
Representing North Carolina's Eleventh Congressional District
For Immediate Release
October 30, 2007
Rep. Shuler Leads Call for End to VA Policy Banning Traditional Flag-Folding Recitations
Washington, D.C. - Representative Heath Shuler today announced that he has authored a letter to the Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs concerning recently announced policies banning the traditional flag-folding recitations by Memorial Honor Detail volunteers.
When folding the flag that had covered the coffin Memorial Honor Detail volunteers would recite the significance of each fold. The flag contains 13 folds. The 11th fold glorifies, "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." The 12th glorifies, "God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
Rep. Shuler's letter asked that the Acting Secretary reconsider the policy and allow the Memorial Honor Detail volunteers to perform the traditional flag-folding recitation if requested by the family of the deceased. He also pointed out that the ability to have the recitations made by the Memorial Honor Detail was important to recognizing the right to freedom of speech and religion for which the veteran had fought.
The entire text of the letter is below. It was co-signed by Rep. Chris Carney (D-PA), Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), Baron Hill (D-IN), Tim Holden (D-PA), Nick Lampson (D-TX), Jim Marshall (D-GA), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Mike Ross (D-AR) Gene Taylor (D-MS), and John Tanner (D-TN).
Sample Letter
October 30th, 2007
The Honorable Gordon H. Mansfield
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Dear Acting Secretary Mansfield:
We are writing to express our concern regarding recently announced policies banning the traditional flag-folding recitations by Memorial Honor Detail volunteers.
The flag folding recitation is a longstanding tradition which brings comfort to the living and honor to the deceased. The recitations accompanying each fold pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families, the nation they proudly serve, and the beliefs that they hold dear.
As our nation loses 1,500 World War II veterans every day, we feel it is vital to ensure that the final rites for these American heroes be permitted to include the freedoms of speech and religious expression enshrined in our Constitution and defended by their service.
We ask that you please reconsider the policy and allow the Memorial Honor Detail volunteers to perform the traditional flag-folding recitation if requested by the family of the deceased. (edit)
Sincerely,
USE THIS CONTACT INFORMATION TO SEND YOUR LETTERS, EMAILS, PHONE CALLS to Rescind This Ban!
The Honorable Gordon H. Mansfield
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
phone: (202) 273-4817
email: Gordon.mansfield@va.gov
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