The Folding Of Our Flag
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our
ranks and who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain
peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for as American citizens trusting
in God, it is to Him 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 heart 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 enemies, whether
they be found within or without the 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 our mother,
for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith,
love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have
made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and
daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion
of the seal of King David and 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 Father, the Son and Holy Ghost
When the
flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our
national 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 us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy
today.