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The American Flag
Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American Flag 13 times? Like
me, you probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but I recently learned differently.
The First Fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The Second Fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The Third 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 Fourth 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 times of war, for His Divine Guidance.
The Fifth 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 Sixth Fold is for where our hears lie. It is with our hearts that we “Pledge
Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, One Nation, under God, Indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for All.”
The Seventh 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, our without the boundaries
of our republic.
The Eighth Fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death,
that we see the light of day.
The Ninth 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 Tenth 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 Eleventh Fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon,
and glorifies in the Hebrew’s eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The Twelfth Fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christian’s
eyes, God the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Thirteenth Fold, or when the flag is completely folded. The Stars are the 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
and now you will know why they are folded in such a meticulous manner. Share this with the children you love, and all others
who love the symbol of “Liberty and Freedom.”
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