This entry is for the 5 people in this country who are patriotic enough to care. Below are a couple facts about the flag and military funerals that you may or may not have known. Now you cannot ever say that I never taught you anything.
The 21-Gun Salute Have you ever wondered where the idea of shooting the gun 21 times came from? The number 21 is the sum of the numbers in the year 1776.
13 Folds for the Flag When a serviceman dies, the Honor Guard folds the flag 13 times before giving it to the family. The number 13 in this instance does not represent the original 13 colonies. Each fold has its own representation:
1st Fold This fold is the symbol of life.
2nd Fold This fold is the symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3rd Fold This fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion oftheir lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4th Fold This fold represents our weaker nature. It is in time of peace and war in which we turn to God for His guidance.
5th Fold This fold is a tribute to our country. 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."
6th Fold This fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our 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."
7th Fold This fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces. It is through the Armed Forces that we protect our Country and our Flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our Republic.
8th Fold This 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.
9th Fold This fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers. It is believed that 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.
10th Fold This 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.
11th Fold This fold represents the lower portion of the Seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in the Hebrew eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12th Fold This fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
13th Fold In this final fold, the stars on the flag are 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, always reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones. They and their followers fought to preserve the rights, freedoms and privileges we enjoy (and often times take for granted) today.
