Two weeks ago my Father passed away. He was buried with full Military honors including the flag on his coffin. When the soldiers folded the flag and handed it to me I was wondering what this all means and now I have found out and will share with all that are interested to know:



> 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.

Sorry for your loss Tony. My condolences.

Thank you NY

Condolences Tony

Sorry to hear that, Tony.

Just because Amereica is arrogant and selfish, in no way deminishes what your father or other veterans did in their service to us...
All those who serve are heroes...

Tony, I'm very very sorry for your loss. I hope you can both find some peace now.

Condolences big bro.

Nystyle709 wrote:

Sorry for your loss Tony. My condolences.

And yes Tony, I did know most of that stuff because I used to be on the Honor Guard and have actually had to fold the flag many times before and present it.

Condolences on your loss.

I'm so sorry for your loss Tony.

Thank you all.

captainbryce wrote:

And yes Tony, I did know most of that stuff because I used to be on the Honor Guard and have actually had to fold the flag many times before and present it.

I was really touched, brought me to tears.

My condolences, Tony.

Condolences, Tony, but remember that your Dad lives on in your heart and memories, and it's just a short time without him in this world, because you'll see him again someday!

Bluesmama wrote:

My condolences, Tony.

Thank you.

Hyacinth Girl wrote:

Condolences, Tony, but remember that your Dad lives on in your heart and memories, and it's just a short time without him in this world, because you'll see him again someday!

Thank HG. I truly believe that!!

So sorry to hear about your dad Tony!!