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This was sent to me
by a good friend and trooper.
Don Reed 11 ACR
Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin
All
Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America
is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings
to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history.
Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of
those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.
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.
Share this with the children you love and all
others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.
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