Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Some thoughts on Flag Day

Since today is Flag Day in the United States, I thought the following reflection was very appropriate. It was sent to me by a good friend for many years.

As Americans, we have a long history of embracing all people who want to live in freedom, and who will work hard to continue to preserve the rights and responsibilities which this country offers, shedding their sweat, their tears and even their blood.



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, for 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 . . ."


The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that
they speak "I 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. The Armed
Forces 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 ones who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death, that they might again see the light of day.



The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and mothers. For it has been
Through their faith, their love, and their 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 the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.


The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies the Christian God --- the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.


With the 13th fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of the heavens and 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 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 "Liberty".


Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum
of the numbers in the year 1776?

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