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Washington, DC– Today, U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25), Kay Granger (R-TX-12), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), and John Rutherford (R-FL-4) introduced the 13 Folds of Honor Act, a bill that provides a script to be read during official or burial flag-folding ceremonies.

A flag-folding presentation honors the service and sacrifice of veterans or deceased servicemembers. The ceremonial folding and presentation of the flag is a moving tribute of lasting importance to a veteran's family. This script emphasizes the meaning of each of the 13 folds that symbolize our nation's unity and immeasurable respect for veterans and their families.

“This legislation commemorates our 13 fallen servicemembers including my own constituent, Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza. Mr. Espinoza, a Laredo native Marine, will always be remembered," said Congressman Cuellar. "He embodied the values of America: grit, dedication, service, and valor. May the language shared with the official flag folding ceremony continue to reflect the symbol of respect, honor and freedom that our brave servicemembers and their families do every day.”

“This legislation honors the 13 servicemembers who courageously gave their last full measure of devotion and sacrifice to our country," said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart. "It also serves as a sobering reminder that for every fallen servicemember, there is a story of a Gold Star Family who stands boldly in their legacy. While there are no words to ease their loss, we hope the 13 Folds of Honor script symbolizes our immense gratitude, respect, and appreciation for their service to our nation. A special thank you to Commander Dr. J.B. Holmes of the Golden Gate VFW Post 7721 for his dedicated service to our nation's veterans and for advocating for this important tribute.”

“Our brave service members devote their lives to defending the flag and the sacred institution she represents," said Congresswoman Granger. "The 13 Folds of Honor is a fitting tribute to our fallen heroes and commemorates a life dedicated to freedom and liberty.”

"As a veteran of the Afghanistan War, I saw firsthand how the 13 Folds of Honor ceremony has become an integral part of paying tribute and respect to those who have served and sacrificed for America,” said Congressman Panetta. “This bipartisan legislation would codify those words by providing the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs with official language for ceremonial flag foldings. Those few words that would be said during the 13 folds of our nation’s flag during such ceremonies are much deserved for the many deeds of the men and women who served us.”

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” said Congressman Rutherford. “This bill will codify the meaningful tribute said while folding a burial or ceremonial flag in memory of the fallen."

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