Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin
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.’
Each week I have posts for Woo Us To Your Blog and Rockin’ Friends. Both have very different purposes. On the Woo Us To Your Blog post, I attach a Linky so that you can drop the main URL of your blog or the URL of every post you publish during the week. If you write seven posts, then you can put all seven in the Linky. I do it for you to have another means of free advertisement. Nothing is expected back. Yes, you are welcome.
The Rockin’ Friends post is a way that I can recognize the Top Nine commenters in my community. Sometimes I will highlight their blogs, have a prize for one of them or talk about something interesting that happened in the community as well as have a list of the winner’s links to their blogs. This post not only is a way of thanking them, but also a means to assist in growing their blogs.
Now, the time we have all been waiting for…(drum roll) This is the weekly post where I spotlight my Rockin’ Friends who are the Top Nine active participants and loyal followers in my community! If you want to be mentioned here next week, then all it takes is to come in and start chatting with everyone in my community.
Below are a few discussions going on in my community :
- Good News Thread
- How will you celebrate the Fourth this weekend?
- Does it really exist like this?
- Last thing you do before getting in bed is…
- The BEST and WORST
- Hamburger or Hot Dog?
- What Can I Say? I’m A Post Counter Diva! <<<— (24,271 comments)
With a big, heartfelt thank you for their participation and friendship, here are the Rockin’ Friends this week in order of most participation.
I’m so glad that I’ve been able to become friends with these wonderful people who are so active in my community. I encourage you to add their blogs to your blogroll, but also come over and chat with us in my community.
For everyone mentioned in the top nine this week, feel free to grab the Rockin’ Friend badge below (Yeah, we do crazy poses like that too because we are so stylish) and thank you for your participation!!
- Joan at A Bad Marriage Is Fattening
- Bev at eBlebco.com
- Aleta at Aleta’s Arty Facts
- Kris at In The Kitchen With Audrey
- Meg doesn’t have a blog…yet (wink)
- Paula at This American Life
- Shawnnita at About Finding My Inner Alfalfa
- Teresa at Teresa’s Thoughts And Ideas
- Jim at Dancing In The Dark
Until next week…Kiss your family, hug your friends and don’t forget to be the friend you would like to have around.
Woo Us To Your Blog
As always, attached is the weekly Linky to enter either the main URL to your site or add each post you publish throughout the week. You don’t have to do anything special, just drop your link in and get a little extra exposure to your site.
Thank you! Have a great day:)
Madison
Happy 4th of July! I did not know that about the folding of the flag, thanks! Great Post. You are the ultimate Rockin'Friend, Red. Awesome!
Cool info about the flag. We have one from my boyfriend's grandpa.
I have to ditto everything that Bev said, "Happy 4th of July! I did not know that about the folding of the flag, thanks! Great Post. You are the ultimate Rockin'Friend, Red. Awesome!"
I only want to add one thing to Bev's reply: Everyone who participates in The Redhead Riter – Witty, Intelligent & Addictive Community are Rockin' Friends — even if they are not one of the nine most active participants in the community. This community is the most supportive group of people that you will ever meet on the Internet. But do not just take my word for this. Come on over and visit The Redhead Riter Community. Join in on some of the discussions and you will see that what I am saying is true!
Thanks for posting that about the folding of the American flag. I had no idea what each fold meant. Great post!
I'm a new follower. Would love it if you could visit my page too.
http://www.adeliciousobsession.com
Hope you are having a great 4th! Heading back out for the family fireworks show!
Posting your button on my blog this week since I'm linking up.
Thank you so much for participating in Monday Mingle. Please come back every Monday to link up your website or blog. I would love to connect with you on Facebook too! http://facebook.com/toughcookiemommy
Thanks Red for Hosting this ~ you are always ahead of most and better than the rest' ~ hugs ^_^
Love the blog and your twitter comments. I tried to sign up for the blogger posts, but no luck, please delete the link (I am unable to do that) b/c it goes nowhere, sorry about that. Again, I enjoy your posts and will continue to follow you. Blessings, Janet http://jkwart.blogspot.com/
Most informative post on the folding of the American Flag – thanks for sharing the knowledge.
It's a privilege to be a Rockin' Friend – it's a wonderful community!