The Flag.

froggy

Gold Member
Aug 18, 2009
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Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to
correctly folding the United States of America 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 the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing
the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the
country to attain peace throughout the world.


The 4th fold represents the 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 the 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 people's hearts lie. It is with their heart
that
they 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 its Armed Forces, for it is through the
Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all
her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of
their 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 their 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 them of their 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 them
the rights, privileges and freedoms they 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.
 

In October, 2007, the National Cemetery Administration banned the practice of giving the meaning of the folds of the flag at all national cemeteries, but the decision was quickly revised. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement on 10/20/07 saying that any recitations at the graveside of a veteran can reflect the wishes of the family. In other words, if the family wants the meaning of the folds to be included, it can be included.

Military the one place the Atheist are afraid to tread.
 

In October, 2007, the National Cemetery Administration banned the practice of giving the meaning of the folds of the flag at all national cemeteries, but the decision was quickly revised. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement on 10/20/07 saying that any recitations at the graveside of a veteran can reflect the wishes of the family. In other words, if the family wants the meaning of the folds to be included, it can be included.

Military the one place the Atheist are afraid to tread.
Arlington National Cemetery: the "Where's Waldo?" of resting places.
 
At my dads funeral in 2005, the chaplain went through the meaning of each fold of the flag as the honor guard was folding the flag.
Gave me chills and I never felt as proud to be an american and the son of an american.
Before that, I never knew what the folds stood for.
His flag is in a glass case, with some cartridge casings that I picked up off the ground from the gun salute.
Glad you posted the meanings.
 

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