Memorial Day - Folding of the Flag

Good Sunday Morning Everyone:

Monday is Memorial Day in the United States. Today's story is
more of a lesson in military protocol at funerals that we all
have seen or will one day. I hope you appreciate the formal flag
folding for our veterans.

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think
that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider
that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and
teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high
time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass
it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more
proud of those who serve to protect our "GOD GIVEN" rights
and freedoms

I hope you take the time to read this..... To understand what the
flag draped coffin really means.... Here is how to understand the
flag that lay upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and
widowers.

THE FOLDING OF OUR FLAG

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 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 the 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 departed being honored , he who
entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might
see the light of each 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 Fathers, for they too, have given
their 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.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is
referred to, the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom."

Much love and may God Bless all of those who
died for our freedoms and those presently in the
military.