I received this in a recent email and thought I'd share:
The American Flag
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21gun 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, when you see
flags folded you will know why.
The American Flag
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21gun 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, when you see
flags folded you will know why.
