A Message from Bob Arrington

Thank you for the positive responses to the first issue of our quarterly newsletter. We hope you will encourage others to sign up on our website. The purpose is to share our upcoming events as well as information we think you might find interesting about funeral service. Please feel free to let us know of any topics you might want us to include.

In May, we honor those who sacrificed their life serving and protecting our country. Memorial Day is not meant to be a day of celebration for a day off from work or retail sales, it should be a day of reflection and remembrance.

13 Folds of Honor:
The Symbolism Behind a Veteran's Final Tribute

Tom Buck – Captain, U.S. 101st Airborne Ranger (LRP) Division

Military Honors are a way to honor a veteran for his/her service. This honor and respect are needed for the veteran because in many circumstances (such as Vietnam) they were never appreciated.

If you’ve ever attended a funeral with Military Honors, I am sure you noticed how the Honor Guards pay meticulous attention in folding the U.S. flag before presenting it to the family of their loved one. This solemn part of a veteran’s funeral is a ceremonial act of respect and gratitude, symbolizing the deceased's service to the nation. This means a great deal to the family as well as the members of the Honor Guard.

Guards will make crisp, precise folds a total of 13 times, and each fold holds a special significance. The flag is folded in triangles until the flag has formed a triangular “pillow” with the blue field showing on the outside.

1. The first fold symbolizes life.
    
2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
    
3. The third fold is made to honor and in tribute of the veteran departing our ranks and defending their country.
    
4. The fourth fold symbolizes our weaker nature and reminds us that we are citizens trusting and searching for guidance in war and peace.
    
5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgment and tribute to our country.
    
6. The sixth fold is in honor of where our hearts lie, as we pledge allegiance to the flag.
    
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to the armed forces who protect our country.
    
8. The eighth fold is in tribute to the one who entered the valley of the shadow of death and to honor mothers for whom the flag flies on Mother’s Day.
    
9. The ninth fold is in honor of womanhood and their character that has helped make this country great.
    
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers who have given their children in sacrifice to our country.
     
11. The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal.
     
12. The twelfth fold represents the emblem of eternity.
     
13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded with only the stars exposed, reminds us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

About the Project

Arrington Funeral Directors is dedicated to providing quality information that is important and beneficial to the community related to topics that are often misunderstood and at times difficult to discuss.

We made the decision to create the Arrington Education Project for that purpose, educating you on many aspects surrounding funeral service, including hospice, palliative care, the grief journey, legal issues, financial planning, and honoring and celebrating one’s life.

These events will be announced on our Facebook page as well as in our quarterly newsletters.

Save the Date

Have you ever thought about:

Funeral pre-planning?
Making final decisions for you or your parents?
Documenting your wishes?
Taking care of funeral expenses and locking those in at today's costs?

Save the date for August 7, 2025. Come join us to enjoy some delicious pie and gain valuable insights that will benefit you and your family.Event details and registration coming soon.

The Benefits of a Meaningful Funeral

Grief expert and author, Dr. Alan Wolfelt, PhD, is the Director of the Center of Loss and Transition, shares several benefits of meaningful funeral services. He emphasizes that meaningful funerals are not just about the service itself but about the entire experience, which can have a profound impact on mourners' healing journey.

• Funerals help mourners accept the finality of death, marking a significant step in the grief process.
   
• Funerals are a time for shared memories and stories, honoring the deceased and their impact on others.
   
• Funerals gather those who knew and loved the deceased, offering a space for mutual support and a sense of community.
   
• Funerals provide a safe and structured environment for expressing emotions and feelings of grief, both openly and privately.
   
• Funerals can spark reflection on life's purpose and values, helping mourners find meaning in their own lives.
   
• Funerals can help individuals strengthen their relationships with family and friends as they come together to support one another.

Pictured from Left to Right

• Front Row:

Bob Arrington – President, Funeral Director /Embalmer
Gracie Arrington – Certified Therapy Dog & Grief Counselor
Judy Arrington - Certified Aftercare Specialist & Community Relations

• Middle Row:

Dick Arrington – Licensed Advance Funeral Planner
Charles Rahm – General Manager, Funeral Director/Embalmer​​​​​​​
Sarah-Ashley Medling – Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator
Roger Bates – Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator​​​​​​​
Todd Brady – Licensed Advance Funeral Planner

• Back Row:

Chuck Maxwell – Aftercare Minister & Certified Aftercare Specialist
Mike Martin – Facilities
Brandon Bennett – Funeral Assistant, IT & Media Specialist
Doug Walker – Funeral Assistant
Joseph Lane – Funeral Director & Certified Crematory Operator