A T A R H E E L ' S R E F L E C T I O N S
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?
I 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.
Now when you see flags folded you will know what it means!