The Flag Draped Coffin

This was sent to me via email. I do not know who the original author is. I hope you enjoy a little history of our country and our flag. jaj

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin
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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.

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 li ght 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.'

I hope you have an enjoyable 4th of July and that you will pause to remember why we celebrate this day with such festivities.