| Why we fold the
flag 13 times...
Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to
correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Here's what each of
those 13 folds mean:
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 has been molded.
The 10th fold is a
tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters
for 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, 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.
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