Niles veteran Richard Rogala commended the following post to this blog.
"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.The flag is folded 13 times and each fold holds deep meaning.
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.
The apparent source for this internet item is the Charles F. Hamblen American Legion Post 37 Department of Florida.
The usaflag.org website confirms this information and credits the flag folding ceremony at the U S Air Force Academy.
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