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| Folding The Flag |
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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 to 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, have 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.
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
this symbol of "Liberty and Freedom."
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