The Folds of the American Flag

The American Flag

I have two sons in the military. My oldest has just returned from his third tour of duty in Iraq. I am grateful of heart that he returns alive and well. However I do know that there are sons and daughters that do not.

More than 40 million American men and women have defended freedom in the uniform of our Military Services. The red, white and blue of the American Flag covering their casket upon death, is a final tribute to the men and women who have secured the blessings of liberty. Though the privilege and tribute is not reserved exclusively for veterans (flags also drape the caskets of government officials and others of import), it is a special tribute the family of every veteran should be aware of and take advantage of.

I did a bit of research on the American flag and what it means at funerals and I think you will be as surprised as was with what you will learn. I, like many simplified it and saw the flag as showing the persons patriotism but the meaning is far deeper than that and today I would like to share that with you.

I hope you take the time to learn and understand the flag that is laid upon the coffins of our sons and daughter, wives and husbands and parents

First let’s go through some “Did you know”.

•Did you know that the 21 gun salute is the sum of the numbers in the year 1776? For those of you who do not know the history of our country that year is the year that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4Th.

•Did you know that the flag is folded thirteen times and that it does NOT represent the 13 colonies?

•Did you know that after the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat? This is to remind 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.

•Did you know that ANY VETERAN of military service who has served one enlistment or more or who has served in any war is eligible for a burial flag providing their discharge was not a dishonorable discharge?

•Did you know that the burial flag covering the closed casket of a deceased veteran is displayed in alignment with the position of the body, the “Union” (field of blue stars) rests at the head and over the left shoulder of the body of the deceased?

•Did you know the United States Flag Code specifies that the burial flag should NEVER be allowed to touch the ground, nor is it to be lowered into the ground with the casket?

•Did you know there are 24 notes in the bugle call, Taps?

•Did you know that Taps was created simply to tell the men that it was time for lights out?

•Did you know that Taps is a bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor; it is the most familiar call and one that moves all who hear it.

•Did you know the official mandatory use of Taps, came from military funerals ceremonies by the US Army Infantry Drill Regulation in 1891.

Now let’s move on to the meaning of the thirteen folds of the flag.

1.The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

2.The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

3.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.

4.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.

5.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.”

6.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.

7.The 7th fold is a tribute to its 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.

8.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.

9.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.

10.The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for him, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

11.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.

12.The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

13.The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”

So yes I know this has nothing at all to do with the many facets of making money online. I just thought it was important to take the time and remember our fallen heroes.