This was posted April 09, 2003 04:47 PM on ATVNation.com,
I no not by whom, I found it in a backup file.
The
AMERICAN
FLAG
Do you know that at military funerals,
the 21 gun salute actually stands for
the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
I hope you have noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to
correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it
was
to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every
day!
Be surprised at the following only because "they" quit teaching
this around
1955 in public schools... some of you out there might remember.
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
Decaur, "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 hearts 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 fathers, for they, too, have given their
sons and daughters for the 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, 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 us
the
rights, privileges and freedoms we 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.
Phantom
Kustom :: PO BOX 260 :: Marlboro, NY 12542 :: 845.541.7063
