Vietnam valor: Remembering those who serve Published April 8, 2014 By Senior Airman Malia Jenkins Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Every year, the Veterans Association in Minot, N.D, holds a ceremony to honor Vietnam veterans who have served and remember those who have given their lives. For the first time, they burned 13 flags, one for each fold in the flag, and a Vietnam veteran presented each flag during the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony 66 balloons were released, representing the 198 North Dakotans killed in Vietnam. The U.S. flag is a symbol of freedom, consisting of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. For more than 200 years, the American flag has been a symbol of the nation's unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. Born on June 14, 1777, the second Continental Congress determined that the flag of the U.S. be thirteen stripes, alternating between seven red and six white; and that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation. Between 1777 and 1960, the shape and design of the flag evolved into the flag presented today. The 13 horizontal stripes represent the original 13 colonies, while the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white signifies purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. Traditionally, a symbol of liberty, the American flag has carried the message of freedom, and inspired Americans, both at home and abroad. Today, the flag flies on constellations of Air Force satellites that circle the globe, and on the fin flash of aircraft in harms way in every corner of the world. Indeed, it flies in the heart of every Airman who serves this great nation. The sun never sets on the U.S. Air Force, nor on the flag Americans so proudly cherish. Since 1776 no generation of Americans has been spared the responsibility of defending freedom... Today's Airmen remain committed to preserving the freedom that others won, for generations to come. By displaying the flag and giving it a distinctive fold Airmen show respect to the flag, and express gratitude to those individuals who fought, and continue to fight for freedom, at home and abroad. Since the dawn of the 20th century, Airmen have proudly flown the flag in every major conflict on lands and skies around the world. It is their responsibility...everyone's responsibility...to continue to protect and preserve the rights, privileges and freedoms that Americans enjoy today. The United States flag represents who American citizens are. It stands for the freedom all Americans share and the pride and patriotism they feel for country. They cherish its legacy, as a beacon of hope to one and all. Long may it wave. When the flag becomes old, faded or tattered it is burned, not as a desecration but as a way to retire them honorably. Before the flag is retired, the color guard assigned opens up its tri-corner fold and then refolds it in a coffin-shaped rectangle. All assemble around the fire. The leader calls the group to attention and the color guard comes forward and places the flag on the fire while all briskly salute. After the salute, but while the flag burns, the leader summarizes the history, heritage and symbolism the flag represents to the American people. When the flag is consumed, the ashes are then buried.