Folding Our Flag
A very interesting, moving and little-known part of our military
tradition.
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 Decaur,
"our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right;
but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The 6th fold is for where our hearts
lie. It is with our heart that we
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of
America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
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 nation's 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. Share
this with the children you love and all others who love the symbol of
"Liberty and Freedom."
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