The ceremony began with the arrival of the remains at the columbarium. The honor guard unfolded the flag and snapped it taught to cover the remains. The Chaplin reminded us of the meaning of service, read from the bible, recalled the life of our departed, and led us in prayer. At a distance, the rifle volley sounded three times and the bugler played taps. The honor guard refolded the flag in 13 folds, passed it to the Chaplin, and the Chaplin, on bended knee, presented the flag to the next of kin with these words: "On behalf of the President of the United states, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service."
