Miscellaneous Information Center

FOLDING THE FLAG

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 American flag 13 times? You probably thought it
was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new
every day!

  Flag Folds

  The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

  The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

  The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans
  departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the
  defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

  The 4th 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 time of war for His divine guidance.

  The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of
  Stephen Decaur, "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 our hearts lie. It is with our heart that
  We 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 our Armed Forces, for it is through the
  Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her
  enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of
  our 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 our 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 us of our 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 us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.