This
is great---never knew all the folds had a meaning
Do you know
that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers
in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly
folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize
the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our
ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to
attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in
God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His
divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur,
"Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right;
but it is still our country, right or wrong.
The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed
Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies,
whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through
their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and
women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and
daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King
Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians
eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."
After the flag is completely folded! and tucked in, it takes on the appearance
of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General
George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John
Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed
Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and
freedoms we enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In
the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.