Meaning

[SiFumar]

With the 4th of July around the corner I thought this would be important to circulate.


       

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.'


MAYBE  THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER  THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.   FORWARD  IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND  FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO  THEM.

IN   THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US  ALWAYS.

ONE   NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND  JUSTICE FOR  ALL.

If you agree, Pass it along to  others...... ......... ..
If not, hit delete......  ......... ...
Our Soldiers have  preserved your right to make this  choice!



 

[Wildcat]

Thank you.

[DisplacedCoonass]

Just a quick point of clarification.  The 21 gun salute is not derived from 1776 but from the naval tradition of firing off cannons until a ship was spent to show lack of hostilities, usually when entering foreign ports.  The 21 gun salute is also not the same as a 3 round volley fired at most military funerals which uses guns instead of artillery.  I say most because I know of at least one burial at sea that used the 5" for the salute.  It was for the father of one of our GM1's who fired in local control and wrote messages to his father on each round.

As for the flag ceremony, I witnessed my first just two weeks ago when one of my brothers retired.  Pretty moving moment as at each fold of the flag the above was read and then followed by the flag passing ceremony.  This link shows a flag passing ceremony. 

[hal4uk]

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS.
EACH AND EVERY ONE.
Awrighten.