SaiFightsMS Posted March 23, 2003 Posted March 23, 2003 For what it is worth to read and think about I saw this today in one of my mailing lists. Folding the Flag Our Flag A very interesting, moving and little-known part of our military tradition. 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 Decaur, "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 the Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of 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 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.
G95champ Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Never knew that good stuff Sai. (General George S. Patton Jr.) "It's the unconquerable soul of man, and not the nature of the weapon he uses, that ensures victory."
monkeygirl Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Definitely something I didn't know. I had no idea there was any symbolism to folding the flag. 1st dan & Asst. Instructor TKD 2000-2003No matter the tune...if you can rock it, rock it hard.
ZR440 Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 I have a friend who an honor guard with the Air Force. Those guys are anal. He even irons his jeans. It's happy hour somewhere in the world.
Tobias_Reece Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon Didn't realise there was such a massive link between the Freemasons and the USA "You Are Never Given A Dream Without Also Being Given The Power To Make It True. You May Have To Work For It, However"Principal Kobudo Instructor & OwnerWest Yorkshire Kobudo Academy2nd Kyu (Matayoshi Okinawan Kobudo, IOKA UK)
ninjanurse Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon Didn't realise there was such a massive link between the Freemasons and the USA The seal of King David and King Soloman is also linked to the fact that our country was founded on biblical principals. Did you know that the founding fathers considered having Hebrew be the official language of the new colonies? "A Black Belt is only the beginning."Heidi-A student of the artsTae Kwon Do,Shotokan,Ju Jitsu,Modern Arnishttp://the100info.tumblr.com/
Tobias_Reece Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Most of the American settlers were surviving members of the Knights Templar anyway - at least thats my belief "You Are Never Given A Dream Without Also Being Given The Power To Make It True. You May Have To Work For It, However"Principal Kobudo Instructor & OwnerWest Yorkshire Kobudo Academy2nd Kyu (Matayoshi Okinawan Kobudo, IOKA UK)
ZR440 Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 I read somewhere that Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and some others were Freemasons. Not sure if it's true. It's happy hour somewhere in the world.
Tobias_Reece Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Chances are it is true. "You Are Never Given A Dream Without Also Being Given The Power To Make It True. You May Have To Work For It, However"Principal Kobudo Instructor & OwnerWest Yorkshire Kobudo Academy2nd Kyu (Matayoshi Okinawan Kobudo, IOKA UK)
ninjanurse Posted March 24, 2003 Posted March 24, 2003 Yes they were....but that is another story. "A Black Belt is only the beginning."Heidi-A student of the artsTae Kwon Do,Shotokan,Ju Jitsu,Modern Arnishttp://the100info.tumblr.com/
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