Our Flag!
United States Flag Folding
Correct Procedure.
Do You Know?
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 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 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.
Share this with the children you
love and all others who love the symbol of "Liberty and
Freedom"
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