Every now and again we run across a biker patch possessing a deeper meaning few people understand. The In Memoriam Folded Flag patch is one of them. On the surface, it looks like little more than a biker patch designed to mimic a folded American flag. But to those who understand the symbolism behind how we fold our flag, it means so much more.
The phrase ‘in memoriam’ means ‘in memory of’. It is almost always used in relation to epitaphs. That's why you see it so often engraved on tombstones. So how does it apply to this biker patch?
The coffins of fallen soldiers are draped with American flags during transport from funeral home to grave site. Just prior to burial, the flag is removed and folded. It is then given to the fallen soldier's family as a tribute to that soldier's life and service.
What you might not know is that each of the thirteen folds that go into the proper folding of the American flag mean something. Without getting into all the details here, the third fold represents honor and remembrance of the fallen soldier. It honors soldiers regardless of how they died – whether during active combat or otherwise – because all have given at least a portion of their lives to military service.
To the family members of a fallen soldier, the folded flag represents honor and respect. It represents the genuine appreciation of the entire military family for that soldier's service.
As a biker, you may feel an obligation to show your own honor and respect to our military. Fortunately, biker patch manufacturers make all sorts of patches that do a fantastic job of conveying that message. The In Memoriam Folded Flag patch is just one of them. Feel free to buy one and wear it with pride.
