THE AMERICAN FLAG AND MILITARY FUNERALS

Have you ever noticed that the Honor Guard pays meticulous attention to correctly fold and Flag 13 times?

 1^st Fold --- is a symbol of Life

 2^nd Fold ---is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

 3^rd Fold ---is 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 through the world

 4^th 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.

 5^th 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.”

 6^th Fold --- is for where our hearts lie. It is with out heart 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

 7^th Fold --- is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through them that we protect our country and our Flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.

 8^th Fold --- is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might seethe light of day.

 9^th Fold --- is tribute to womanhood and Mothers, For it has been through their faith, their love, their loyalty, and their devotion, that the character of the men and women who have made this country great, has been molded.

10^th 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.

11^th 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,

12^th Fold --- represents an emblem of eternity, and glorifies in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

13^th Fold --- or when the Flag is completely folded, the stars are in the uppermost, reminding us of our Nations motto, “In God we trust”.

After the Flag is completely folded, then 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.