What the Flag Draped Coffin Means
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 survivors
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
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.
Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is
referred to, the symbol of "
Do you worry that this is another of those urban legends or Internet hoaxes? Well, check out these reliable sources of information about the Flag of the United States of America.
LINKS:
Snopes.com (http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.htm) A myth-buster website
American Legion Website (Symbols of our American Flag) Seems to be in the process of acceptance!
USFlag.org website (Standards of Respect for the Flag) Official codes of flag respect
United States Code: Patriotic Customs Involving the National Flag Official codes of flag respect