I received this in an email from my brother and found it fascinating.  [/size] :)

All Americans should be given this lesson.  Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought.  Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to  establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get  re-educated about this Nation's history.    
Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect  our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

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 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.

My step-dad told us about this.... I had forgotten that until I saw this...
Thanks ST.... ;)

Quote from: Solars Toy on April 08, 2011, 08:11:18 PM


All Americans should be given this lesson. ( . . . )

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.

Here's an excellent how-to video.

how-to-fold-the-flag

Quote from: quiller on April 18, 2011, 09:10:19 AM
Here's an excellent how-to video.

how-to-fold-the-flag

This should go with it. 
How to Display the U S Flag http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/displayonly.htm

Thanks for the additions Q and WT.   i found all of this very fascinating. 

Respect for that which represents our Country.

Quote from: Solars Toy on April 21, 2011, 06:54:12 PM
Thanks for the additions Q and WT.   i found all of this very fascinating. 

Respect for that which represents our Country.

8)  ST, I and my neighbors all fly the U.S. flags 24/7 year around.  And the fly boys from Whidbey Island Navy Air Station in Washington State just love it. 

My son put ny old 98 system in a box and I have hock it up to my laptop.  Some of the things are 10 to 15 years old this is one of them. Was think it would be nice in ST post.

Sorry don't know the author.



TAPS

We in the United States have all heard the haunting song,
"Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats
and usually tears in our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song?
If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its
humble beginnings. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during
the Civil War when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe
was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia.

The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow
strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the
moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.
Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the
Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man
back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through
the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and
began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it
was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went
numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.
It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South
when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy
enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission
of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his
enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain
had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a
funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned
down since the soldier was a Confederate. But out of respect for
the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series
of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket
of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" ... used at military funerals was born.

The words are:
Day is done ... Gone the sun ... From the lakes ... From the
hills From the sky ... All is well ... Safely rest ... God is nigh...
Fading light ... Dims the sight ... And a star ... Gems the sky...
Gleaming bright ...From afar... Drawing nigh .. Falls the night .
Thanks and praise ... For our days ...Neath the sun ....
Neath the stars,..Neath the sky ...
As we go ... This we know ... God is nigh...

I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I
have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.

Nice WT - Thank you for sharing.