I DO NOT KNOW WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THIS, BUT IT IS SOBERING AND ALSO A CAUSE FOR A REVERENT PAUSE.

It is a shame that our elected officials often do not want us to see the flag draped coffins that return almost daily to our shores from the war. ...... This is one way proposed for understanding what the folding of the flag symbolizes to many Americans...

http://www.usa-patriotism.com/refere...ag_folding.htm

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

The honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You may have thought it was only to symbolize the original 13 colonies!

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 their lives for the defense of the country.

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.

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 Fathers, for they, too, have given their 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 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.

 

Nnice, but not true: http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.htm

 

Thanks for sharing that. As a vet, I really identify with it.

 

Well, I liked it anyway.

 

Thanks for the link, ajlafleche. But I like it, too, even though Buddhists, Muslims, and American Indians may feel left out without a fold. Even if it's not the fourth of July, it reminds us to honor our men and women in uniform and their ultimate sacrifice, regardless of our political persuasion. I think it is important that honoring our military dead is not the exclusive perview of either of our political parties and unrelated to our views on the current war.

 

It is my hope that come Monday, 29 May 06 that people remember what Memorial Day is really about. Not shopping and taking advantage of Memorial Day sales, not a reason to buy a new vehicle, but a day to remember and respect those that have preserved the American experience as we know it.

As a Vietnam era veteran, I make a point of visiting "The Wall" which is about twenty-four miles east of our house. I also then visit the WWII memorial (which was long overdue) to honor the "Greatest Generation's" sacrifices.

I find myself very "conflicted" lately. The freedom of expression and press that we have because of the sacrifices of so many to preserve the American way of life has allowed "the enemies from within" that our forefathers warned us about to undermine the very fabric that this great nation was founded upon. I am "conflicted" because on one hand, I think that Saddam Hussein "had to go". He, like Hitler killed thousands of his own countrymen (Kurds) based on ethnicity. I don't understand why the "liberal set" that are typically concerned about environmental issues do NOT view him as an "environmental terrorist" for ordering over five hundred oil wells to be set on fire during the retreat of the Iraqi troops during Gulf War 1.

I am confused as to why, during a time of war when we have troops in harms way, that it seems that so many people fall into the trap of the media war and the politics that our enemies have learned so well from the Viet Nam conflict. To "divide and conquer". Our enemies, both from abroad and from within seem to be using this tool fairly effectively if one wants to pay attention to the media polls. They seem to understand very well the motto: United we stand, divided we fall.

 

Or maybe some of us just think that what is best for our country is not what you think is best for our country.

 

Matt, I really didn't intend to open up a discussion in this thread about the war. But maybe I did invite it...

I was sitting in the waiting room at the Dr's office this week, and, while thumbing through the current edition of the Texas Monthly magazine, I came across pages and pages of thumbnail portraits of the brave sons and daughters of Texas that had so far died in the war...

I must live behind the moon, I guess, for only recently having seen this description of the flag draped coffin flag folding ceremony. It has apparently been around for some years. Anyway I decided to post it in Vintage out of reverence and respect. The war is being debated in other venues of the forum, and would be more inclined to divide rather than unite us older folks.

Deb, Bill, maybe the thread should be locked.