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Why The American Flag Is Folded 13 Times
Have you ever wondered why the flag of the
United States of America is folded 13 times
when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed
to the widow at a burial of a veteran?
Here is the meaning of each of those folds and
what it means to you.
The
first fold
of our flag is the symbol of life.
The
second fold
is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The
third 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
fourth 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
fifth 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
sixth fold
is for where our heart's lie. It is
with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States Of America, and to the Republic
for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.
The
seventh 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 eighth 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, and to honor mother,
for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; 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 tenth 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 eleventh fold in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen
represents the lower portion of the seal of
King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their
eyes, the God of Abraham , Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold in the eyes of a Christian citizen,
represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies,
in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and
Holy Spirit.
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 next time you see a flag ceremony honoring
someone that has served our country, either in
the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as
the Police Force or Fire Department, keep in mind
all the important reasons behind each and every
movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice
for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country.
Author:
Wendy B. Vaughn
( Office Manager @ Allen Hall, Central State Hospital)
Page Dedication:
I would like to dedicate this page to all the men & women
who are in any & all branches of the Armed Forces.
I admire them so deeply, especially my young grandson
Zachary Lynch, who is at this moment, helping to fight
the war in Iraq.
God Bless You, One & All!
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Page Put together with pride
by
Jimmy
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