VIEWPOINT

Folding the Flag

By Sarah Paulson

These past few weeks and in the coming weeks we have and will be subject through the news and our TV sets to the funerals that have already happened and will continue. We will see the folding of our flag over the many caskets of New York. This is not just a nice gesture, it has a great meaning from our history – a history that we will not let terror take from us.
I’ve known how the 21-gun salute was determined (adding the digits of 1776), but I just found out why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered and carefully folded and handed to the family at the burial of a veteran.

The first fold of our American flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to keep peace throughout the country. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him that we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance. The fifth 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.”

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our hearts 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. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without boundaries of our republic. The eighth 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 and to honor mother for whom it flies on Mother’s Day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith and their devotion that the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The tenth 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. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies in their eyes, God, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded the stars 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 ever reminding us of the soldiers and marines 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 preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedom we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. .
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