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Flag Folding
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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? |
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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!
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The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of
life.
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The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal
life.
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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.
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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.
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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".
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The 10th fold is a
tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters
for the defense of their country since they were first born.
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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.
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The
12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and
glorifies, in the Christians
eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy
Spirit.
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The
13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost
reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."
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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.
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Share this with the children you love
and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of
"
Liberty and
Freedom" |
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Maybe the Supreme Court should read this explanation
before they render their decision on the pledge of allegiance. Maybe someone with the
necessary power, or political and financial influence will get it to them.
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In the meantime, may God protect us always.
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