Hi All, Can't verify if this is actually true, but it is certainly interesting...... I imagine it could be checked into. Anyone ever hear of this? I know it's not the usualy type of message sent on the list, but thought some might be interested. Have a nice day! Barb ----- Original Message ----- From: "DW Woodland Hills, CA" <[email protected]> To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;> Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 12:38 AM Subject: Fw: Our 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! > > 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 > 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 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 be 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 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. > > 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 the symbol of > "Liberty and Freedom" . > > ------- End of forwarded message ------- > > >