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THE AMERICAN FLAG

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Pigtails

Guest
Memorial Day remembence:

What the flag draped coffin means?
I hope you take the time to read this..... To 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 widows. (and widowers)


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 Liberty and Justice for all.



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.
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
The flag that was draped on my father's coffin sits in a walnut case on a bookshelf. I had no idea there was a meaning to the folds. I now have a completely new appreciation for that flag.

Thank you.
 
P

Pigtails

Guest
I was a cub scout leader for a few years, but had forgotten alot of it until I recently got an email from a friend. It makes one think!!
 

ddrane2115

Charter Member
SUPER Site Supporter
Thanks Pigtails, I also did not know about the flag folds. Some may know this but if you find or come across a worn out flag, it can be turned over to a VFW for proper disposal. Please do not just throw them away. When the flag under orders if flown at half staff, if it is taken down and put back up it is hoisted full staff then set at half staff. I love what our flag stands for, and have the utmost respect for the symbol of those who have given the ultimate, or any price.

God Bless those in service to our country!
 

ddrane2115

Charter Member
SUPER Site Supporter
At the funeral of a veteran of any war, if someone is present with certain authorities (not sure what rank) the flag is presented to the widow (er) after being saluted in a short ceremony. The presenter then gives it to the survivor, saying the words, on behalf of the President of the United States, we honor your sacrafice. I was surprised when at my fathers funeral they did this (ww2) state side vet. This little part sticks with me, and one day I will display that flag, never again to unfold it.
 

Spiffy1

Huh?
SUPER Site Supporter
Thanks Pigtails! :thumb:

I had to take the flag down at the farm today; wind caught it wrong and left it pretty shredded; of course, I hadn't orded new ones yet. :(

Just didn't seem right to have the shredded one sagging, especially over Memorial day, but in retrospect, maybe that would have been more appropriate. :confused:
 

ddrane2115

Charter Member
SUPER Site Supporter
Spiffy,

you did exactly what a worn flag is supposed to be done with, taken down. See above post on disposal please.
 

Dargo

Like a bad penny...
GOLD Site Supporter
I've been to several funerals lately where the deceased had served in the armed forces. It is always striking to me to see these aging vets go through their respectful ceremony and give their talk. Since I've never been in the armed forces, I've just admired the way that our vets seem to have each other's back, even in death. I think it is a tremendous show of respect and I did not know what you wrote.
 

Spiffy1

Huh?
SUPER Site Supporter
ddrane2115 said:
Spiffy,

you did exactly what a worn flag is supposed to be done with, taken down. See above post on disposal please.

Thanks Danny!

Proper disposal is no problem. Seeing the empty flag pole over Memorial Day, made my strange mind breifly think that the tattered flag would have been somehow symbolic in it's own sense for the occasion. But your post reinforced the fact I choose correctly.
 

ddrane2115

Charter Member
SUPER Site Supporter
Dargo said:
I've been to several funerals lately where the deceased had served in the armed forces. It is always striking to me to see these aging vets go through their respectful ceremony and give their talk. Since I've never been in the armed forces, I've just admired the way that our vets seem to have each other's back, even in death. I think it is a tremendous show of respect and I did not know what you wrote.


Of all the parts to my dads civilian ceremony, I remember the minister and a fellow vet saluting, and presenting the flag to my mother............ I will never have that honor, but EVERY person that served deserves this in their death.

God Bless each serviceperson!
 
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