President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each
year as National Flag Day.
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 American 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 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 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 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 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 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.