The Meaning of a Flag

First you must understand that every military veteran, upon entering military
service, signed a blank check made payable; to the United States of
America, for an amount up to and including his life. Our respect and love
for our flag and country is the most important aspect of our lives.
Without either, our way of life disappears. There would be no protectors
for our families or nation.

The flag drapped coffin is the final respect given to a fallen military member, be they active, veteran or retired. It is the release of his or her oath of duty;
to protect and defend the constutution of the United States against all enemies,
foreign and domestic. It is their final resting place of peace. The
folding of the flag is special to that person, lying in state, under the
flag.

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 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 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
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.'

The veterans are the reason you have the right to
disagree or to agree with the government without fear of reprisal. They
are the reason we live in a free land. Next time you pass a veteran, thank
him or her for serving. They deserve it.

(Got this from email thought I share it with you guys) Thanks for reading.