MEMORIAL DAY- THE FOLDS OF THE FLAG:

I hope you take the time to read this..... To understand
what the flag draped coffin really means..... Here is how to understand
the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and
widowers.

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 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!
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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 their 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 them of their 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 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.

**GOT THIS IN AN EMAIL SOME TIME AGO- BUT WAS SAVING IT FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.