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Why
We Fold The Flag 13 Times
To all of our
international subscribers: Today is July 4th, and on this day in
1776 we declared our independence from Great Britain. On all
national holidays we proudly fly the American Flag and I recently came
across this information in regards to our flag. I hope you'll
enjoy this.
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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.
Defining
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Copyright
© 2006, Jace Carlton. All International Rights Reserved.
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