Did 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
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.
The proper way to fold the flag.