|
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"
|